Wally Funk, the Oldest Woman to Travel to Space, Dies at 87

Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator and the oldest woman to journey into space, has sadly passed away at the age of 87. The news was confirmed by the city of Grapevine, Texas, where she spent her final moments in the company of her family on July 8. Funk’s illustrious career and groundbreaking achievements in aviation have left an indelible mark, inspiring countless future explorers.

Funk was widely recognised for her historic contributions to aviation, becoming the first female inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Furthermore, she broke new ground as the first female flight instructor at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, where she trained over 3,000 pilots and accumulated more than 30,000 hours of flight time during her remarkable career.

Born on February 1, 1939, Funk dedicated seven decades to her passion for flying. Her talents did not go unnoticed, catching the eye of NASA in 1961 when she was selected as part of a group of elite female pilots to undergo the same demanding physical and psychological assessments as the Mercury 7 astronauts. This group, later dubbed Mercury 13, saw Funk excel, often outperforming many of her male peers. However, the era’s restrictions prevented her from becoming an astronaut, as women were not permitted in NASA’s ranks at that time.

Decades later, Wally Funk’s dreams of reaching space were realised in July 2021. At the age of 82, she flew aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard NS-16 mission, which was spearheaded by the company’s founder, Jeff Bezos. This monumental flight made her the oldest woman to travel to space, an achievement that was celebrated with recognition from Guinness World Records. Funk was the only member of the Mercury 13 to experience a journey into space.

After her passing, Blue Origin paid tribute to the aviation icon on social media, expressing their sorrow and highlighting her status as a “pioneer in every sense of the word.” They acknowledged the historical significance of her flight, stating, “It was a moment six decades in the making,” and concluded with the phrase, “Fly Wally, Fly,” a sentiment that resonated with her enduring spirit.

In a statement from the city of Grapevine, officials lauded Funk’s incredible legacy and unwavering dedication. They praised her accomplishments that transcended barriers in both aviation and space exploration, labelling her a “beloved Grapevine resident” whose spirit would continue to inspire generations to come. The call for inspiration was echoed by Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell, who highlighted that Funk’s determination illustrates that “dreams have no expiration date.” O’Dell particularly noted Funk’s influence on young women aspiring to careers in the fields of science, aviation, and space.

Funk’s notable achievements did not go unrecognised later in her life. In 2022, she received the Michael Collins Trophy for Lifetime Achievement from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Additionally, she is set to be posthumously honoured with an induction into the International Space Hall of Fame at the New Mexico Museum of Space History, further cementing her place in history.

Throughout her life, Funk maintained a spirited attitude towards flying and adventure. During a 2019 interview with The Guardian, she famously stated, “I’ll be flying ‘til I die,” a phrase that epitomises her passion for aviation. As tributes pour in from around the world, it is clear that Wally Funk’s legacy will continue to encourage dreamers and explorers long into the future.

Her remarkable journey from aspiring astronaut to record-setting space traveller encapsulates her resolve to break barriers in a field where she faced significant challenges. The impact of her life’s work is profound and will continue to resonate, inspiring generations to pursue their own dreams and aspirations.