Wally Funk, aviation pioneer and oldest woman to go into space, dies at 87

Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator who died at 87, has been recognized for her significant contributions to aviation and space exploration. Born in 1939, Funk dedicated over seven decades to flying and became one of the world's most accomplished female pilots. Despite excelling in NASA's 1961 "Women in Space" program, she was denied the opportunity to become an astronaut due to her gender. In 2021, at age 82, Funk finally achieved her lifelong dream of space travel, becoming the oldest woman to journey into space on a Blue Origin flight. Her determination and perseverance have inspired generations, breaking barriers in aviation and space exploration.

Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to travel into space, has died at the age of 87. Funk passed away at her assisted living facility in Grapevine, Texas. In the 1960s, she was part of the Mercury 13 program, undergoing astronaut testing but never flying with NASA. In 2021, at 82 years old, she finally reached space as an honored guest on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin rocket, becoming the oldest person to do so at the time. Funk also held significant roles as the first female inspector for the FAA and the first female air safety investigator for the NTSB. Her determination and passion for flight are remembered as an inspiration.