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.
Wally Funk has passed away at the age of 87 in her home in Grapevine, Texas. She is remembered for her pioneering achievements in aviation and space travel.
In 2021, Wally Funk became the oldest person to travel to space at age 82 aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard. This achievement came decades after her involvement with the Woman in Space Program in the 1960s.
Funk participated in the Woman in Space Program along with 12 other women, known as the Mercury 13, successfully passing all required tests. Despite her qualifications, she was not selected as an astronaut by NASA.
Funk had a distinguished career as a professional pilot, logging 19,600 flying hours and training thousands to fly. She became the first female inspector for the FAA and made history as an air safety investigator.
In recognition of her contributions, Funk was inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame in 1995, solidifying her legacy in both aviation and space exploration.
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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.