AceShowbiz - In an eagerly awaited move, Kristen Stewart is making her TV series-starring debut as Sally Ride in "The Challenger", a role that delves into the life of the astronaut and physicist who made history as the first American woman to fly in space.

Developed and brought to life by Kyra Sedgwick's Big Swing Productions, the project is being executive produced alongside Steven Spielberg's Amblin Partners and Stewart's Nevermind production label. The production team includes Amblin's Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey, adding further weight to this ambitious project.

The series is crafted by the talented Maggie Cohn, whose notable works include "American Crime Story," "The Staircase," and "Narcos: Mexico." It centers around a gripping narrative adapted from the book "The New Guys" by Meredith E. Bagby, who also serves as an executive producer.

This story aims to succeed "The Right Stuff" by focusing on NASA's first diversified astronaut class of 1978, inclusive of the trailblazing Sally Ride, the first African American astronaut, the first Asian American astronaut, and even a married couple.

Sally Ride became an instant celebrity after becoming the first American woman in space in 1983. She was also the younger American in space and recorded as the first queer astronaut despite keeping her love life secret.

However, her joy was short-lived as she later investigated the tragic Challenger disaster of 1986, revealing the cause of the explosion which claimed the lives of all seven crew members. Ride's legacy continued as she pinpointed the technical issues that led to the catastrophe and highlighted the importance of critical safety measures in space exploration.

This series, which took shape over years of dedication, is a testament to the collaborative spirit and shared vision of Sedgwick, Bagby, and Valerie Stadler. They emphasized a unique perspective on familiar stories, aspiring to share Ride's journey with a fresh and engaging lens.

Stewart's passion for this role is palpable, as described by Sedgwick - highlighting her unmatched dedication to bring Sally Ride's story to life in the pitch meetings, thus making "The Challenger" a hot property on the TV auction block.

With Amazon nearing a deal to host the series, viewers can anticipate a captivating retelling of an American hero's life, brought to the screen by one of Hollywood's finest talents. "The Challenger" not only aims to honor Sally Ride's legacy but also inspires a new generation to reach for the stars.