● Covered by 2 sources · 2 reportsMedium impact
Trailblazing Pilot and Space Traveler Wally Funk Dies at 87
Key points
- Wally Funk died at 87 in Grapevine, Texas.
- Funk became oldest person in space at age 82 in 2021.
- Member of Mercury 13, potential female astronauts in the 1960s.
- Funk flew on Blue Origin's New Shepard in 2021.
- Advocate for women in aviation.
Pioneering Aviator Passes Away
Wally Funk, an aviation and space exploration pioneer, has died at the age of 87 in Grapevine, Texas. Her death marks the end of a significant era in aerospace history, considering her lifelong contributions to the field.
Historic Flight Achievement
In 2021, at the age of 82, Funk broke the record as the oldest person to fly into space. She achieved this milestone on Blue Origin's New Shepard during its first crewed flight, which lasted 10 minutes.
Her flight came decades after participating in the Mercury 13 training, an unofficial program that tested women astronauts in the early 1960s.
Legacy of the Mercury 13
Funk was a member of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent rigorous space training but were denied the opportunity to fly with NASA due to gender restrictions. Despite the setback, she remained a steadfast advocate for women in the field of aviation and space.
The training program demonstrated women could perform as well as men in the demanding tests, though NASA's policies at the time excluded them from becoming astronauts.
Impact on Women in Aviation
Funk's legacy is characterized by her perseverance and advocacy for breaking gender barriers in aviation and space exploration. Her participation with both the Mercury 13 and later Blue Origin symbolizes the ongoing push for gender equality in scientific fields.
Her life and achievements continue to inspire women around the world to pursue careers in science and aviation.
✨ This summary was generated by AI from the outlets' reporting listed below. It is not independently verified and may contain errors — check the original sources. How BrevFeed works →
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How outlets covered it
Wally Funk, the last surviving member of the Mercury 13 and the oldest woman in space, passed away at age 87. Funk's lifetime of advocacy for women in aviation and her historic 2021 flight with Blue Origin have left a significant legacy in aerospace history.
Wally Funk, the oldest person to fly in space, has died at 87. She was a key figure in early astronaut programs and made significant contributions to aviation and flying training.