Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to journey into space, passed away on June 8th, 2023, at the age of 87. She died in her apartment at an assisted living facility in Grapevine, Texas, after suffering from an infection and several recent falls, as reported by her caregiver, City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell.
Funk gained international recognition in 2021 when she flew on the inaugural crewed flight of Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, fulfilling a lifelong dream. In the early 1960s, she was one of 13 female pilots selected for the Mercury 13 program, a private initiative aimed at testing whether women could qualify as astronauts. Despite undergoing the same rigorous evaluations as the male candidates of the Mercury Seven, Funk and her peers were ultimately denied the opportunity to fly in space due to the program’s cancellation, which stemmed from doubts about women’s roles in space exploration.
A Trailblazer in Aviation
Born Mary Wallace Funk on February 1, 1939, she earned her pilot’s license at Stephens College in Missouri and later studied education at Oklahoma State University, where she was part of the university’s aviation team, the Flying Aggies. Funk’s skills were evident during astronaut training, where she spent over 10 hours in a sensory-deprivation tank, surpassing the record set by astronaut John Glenn. Despite the obstacles she faced, including NASA’s astronaut selection rules that favored military test pilots, Funk remained committed to aviation.
She became the first female civilian flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and later served as the first female inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Over her career, she logged more than 19,600 hours of flight time and taught over 3,000 people to fly.
Historic Flight and Legacy
In 2021, Funk realized her dream of space travel when she was invited by Blue Origin CEO Jeff Bezos to join the NS-16 mission. At 82 years old, she became the oldest person to go to space, reaching a maximum altitude of 107 km (66.5 mi) above sea level during the 10-minute flight. Funk’s enthusiasm was palpable as she celebrated the moment, stating, “I’ve been waiting a long time to finally get it up there.”
Funk’s achievements have left an indelible mark on aviation and space exploration. O’Dell remarked on her optimism and determination, noting that Funk faced numerous rejections but remained resolute in her pursuits. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman and the city of Grapevine also paid tribute to her legacy, emphasizing her role as an inspiration for future generations, particularly young women in science and aviation.
Wally Funk dedicated more than seven decades to aviation, ultimately fulfilling her dream of space travel. Her story serves as a testament to perseverance and the belief that dreams can be realized, regardless of age or gender.
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