- Wally Funk was the oldest woman to fly into space at age 82.
- She joined NASA’s Mercury 13 program but was rejected due to gender barriers.
- Funk received astronaut wings posthumously following her historic suborbital flight.
Key Accomplishments and Contributions
Wally Funk, a remarkable American aviator who died at the age of 87, was a trailblazer for women in aviation. Her journey through various milestones spanned decades, with her earliest achievements including earning her pilot's license as a teenager and becoming the U.S. military’s first female flight instructor. In 1971, Funk took on another historic role when she became the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) first female flight inspector. Her career also included instructing for the National Transport Safety Board (NTSB).
However, her dream of becoming an astronaut was stymied by gender barriers. In 1960, Funk learned that Jerrie Cobb had been selected to test for spaceflight and joined the Mercury 13 program. Despite outperforming male astronauts in tests, including the grueling isolation tank trials, Funk faced Nasa’s decision not to send women into space due to their criteria of being USAF pilots, all men at the time.
Later Milestones
Funk continued her passion by training in Russia and doing zero-gravity weightless training with a specially equipped Ilyushin 76 cargo plane. In 2021, she made history as Blue Origin's New Shepard spacecraft carried her into space, making her the oldest person to fly in space at age 82. The journey was not just historic; Funk wore a helmet and goggles used by Amelia Earhart, symbolizing her connection with early aviation pioneers.
Legacy
Funk's legacy includes numerous recognitions, such as being elected to the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 1995. She was also inducted into the Wall of Honor at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington in 2017. In 2025, a young person’s book based on her memoir was published, cementing her story for future generations.
Her remarkable journey illustrates the challenges faced by women in aviation and space exploration during the mid-20th century. Funk's unwavering determination to achieve her dreams despite obstacles inspired countless individuals, particularly women seeking equal opportunities in traditionally male-dominated fields.
Source: The Guardian
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