NASA Engineers Didn't Know If 100 Tampons Were Enough For Sally Ride's One-Week Mission

The responses to Sally Ride as the first American woman in space were often less focused on the fact that she literally surpassed the Earth's atmosphere and more about whether or not 100 tampons would be enough for her trip.

Ride paid quite a price for her astronaut title. She constantly fought outright gender stereotypes and blatant misunderstandings about women in space and in general.

NASA engineers even asked Ride, "Is 100 the right number?" referring to the number of tampons they would pack for her 7-day trip.

Ride responded by telling them that would not be the right number.

Whether she was making a jab at that rather unnecessary question or referring to her heavy flow, I'm not sure, but it's a great answer regardless.

During every press conference and meeting, her status as a woman became increasingly clear. Bob Crippen, her shuttle commander, would introduce her as "undoubtedly the prettiest member of the crew," and another reporter at another event asked Ride if she would "weep" if faced with a problem onboard.

Maybe one day we'll be able to focus on women's actual accomplishments without belittling them with unnecessary comments and speculations.

via: Gizmodo, Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia