Wally Funk dies at 87: Oldest woman in space set age record on spaceflight in 2021

Age record in space in 2021

In July 2021, Funk flew to space aboard the "New Shepard" and, according to the company, set an age record at the time. With the flight, she became the oldest woman ever to travel to space – a record that linked her name to the history of spaceflight for decades. The suborbital flight lasted only about ten minutes, but for Funk it opened a chapter she had pursued for decades.

Back in the 1960s, Funk had completed a training program for women who wanted to fly to space. However, she was not selected for a mission in that program. Her professional path instead led her into civil aviation, where she made a name for herself as a pioneer.

Pioneering work in U.S. aviation

Funk was the first woman to hold a position as an aviation safety inspector at the U.S. transportation authority NTSB. In addition, she was the first female instructor at the U.S. aviation safety authority FAA. Over several decades, she passed on her knowledge to generations of pilots.

A long road to space

Funk became internationally known through the Blue Origin flight in 2021. Especially in her later years, she moved into the public consciousness – as a woman who had waited decades for a chance in space and finally received it. Her flight at the time was described by numerous media as a symbol of perseverance and late fulfillment.

The city of Grapevine stated that the pioneer had inspired many people with her life's achievements. On social media, companions, aviation organizations, and private individuals mourned. Several posts emphasized that Funk had never given up her dream of space despite earlier setbacks.

With her death, an era ends for U.S. aviation history. Funk leaves behind the image of a woman who did pioneering work in a male-dominated professional world and ultimately touched the boundaries of space in her ninth decade of life. According to local reactions, her name will remain linked to Grapevine, Texas, and to the history of female spaceflight.