Aviation Legend and Space Pioneer Passes Away
Wally Funk, the aviation trailblazer who became the oldest woman to fly into space at age 82, has died at 87. The news was confirmed by her family on July 9, 2026. Funk's historic journey aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket on July 20, 2021, alongside Jeff Bezos, made her a global icon and fulfilled a lifelong dream that began in the 1960s.
Early Career and the Mercury 13
Funk was one of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent the same rigorous physiological testing as NASA's male astronauts in the early 1960s. Despite passing the tests, they were barred from the space program due to gender discrimination. Undeterred, Funk became the first female flight instructor at a major U.S. military base and amassed over 19,000 flight hours, teaching more than 3,000 students.
Blue Origin Flight and Legacy
On July 20, 2021, Funk launched from the spaceport near Van Horn, Texas, aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard, surpassing the late John Glenn's record as the oldest person to fly in space. During the 10-minute flight, she experienced weightlessness and saw Earth from the edge of space. “I loved it,” she said after landing. “I’ve been waiting for this for a long time.” Jeff Bezos, who flew alongside her, called her a pioneer and an inspiration.
Impact and Recognition
Funk's journey inspired millions and highlighted the contributions of women in aviation. She received numerous honors, including the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame award. In 2022, she published a memoir, Wally Funk's Race for Space, chronicling her decades-long quest to reach the stars. “She showed us that it’s never too late to chase your dreams,” said NASA astronaut Nicole Mann.
Final Years and Tributes
Funk remained active in promoting STEM education and aviation until her death. Tributes poured in from around the world. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp stated, “Wally was a force of nature. Her legacy will live on in every girl who looks up at the stars and believes she can reach them.” She is survived by her brother and numerous friends and colleagues.
