Wally Funk, Aviation Pioneer, Dies at 87

Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer and the oldest woman to travel to space, died at 87. She passed away on June 8th due to an infection in her leg. Funk made headlines in 2021 when she flew aboard the inaugural crewed flight of Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket. She was part of the Mercury 13 program, a privately funded effort to test whether female pilots could become astronauts. Funk dedicated herself to flying and blazing a trail for women in aviation.

## What happened Wally Funk was one of 13 female pilots who joined the Mercury 13 program. They underwent the same rigorous tests as the male candidates but were denied the chance to become astronauts. Funk continued to fly and became the first female civilian flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. She also became the first female inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration and the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board. ## Why it matters Funk's determination and achievements have inspired many women to pursue careers in aviation and space exploration. Her legacy continues to pave the way for future generations of women in space. ## How to think about it To think about Wally Funk's legacy, consider the impact she had on women in aviation and space exploration. Her determination and achievements have inspired many and continue to pave the way for future generations. ## FAQ