Wally Funk, who etched her name in history as the oldest woman to reach space at 82, has passed away at 87. The last surviving member of the First Lady Astronaut Trainees, or Mercury 13, Funk’s journey from testing to orbit marked a significant step for female explorers.
Despite being barred by gender in the early days of American spaceflight, Funk persevered and was finally given her chance with Blue Origin. Her suborbital flight on July 20, 2021, culminated in her earning Commercial Space Astronaut Wings from the FAA.
In a post-flight press conference, Funk expressed eagerness to return to space, embodying the indefatigable spirit of exploration. ‘I felt great! I felt like I was just laying down and I was going into space,’ she shared, capturing the euphoria of the moment.
The city of Grapevine honoured her legacy, highlighting how Funk’s career broke barriers in both aviation and space travel, inspiring generations to follow suit. Her story is a testament to the enduring human desire to reach for the stars beyond the limitations set by society.
