Published：Jul 9, 19:11Last updated：Jul 10, 08:07

Aviation Pioneer Wally Funk Dies at 87

Jul. 9, 2026 19:11

Wally Funk, who became the oldest person to travel to space in 2021 aboard Blue Origin’s rocket, has died at 87. She described her 10-minute flight as a cherished experience. Published on July 9, 2026.

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Jul. 10, 2026 03:23

Wally Funk, one of 13 female pilots who underwent the same tests as NASA’s all-male astronaut corps in the 1960s but never made it into space, has died at 87. Funk became the oldest woman to travel into space later in life.

Jul. 10, 2026 08:07

Wally Funk, who became the oldest woman to travel to space at 82 in 2021, passed away at 87 in Texas. Despite being barred from NASA's astronaut program in her youth due to gender barriers, Funk fulfilled her dream through Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin spaceflight. Her perseverance inspired many, and she remains a Guinness World Record holder for the oldest female astronaut. Her life was marked by relentless pursuit and achievement against the odds.

Wally Funk, the trailblazing aviator who became the oldest woman to travel to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket in 2021, has died at age 87. The aviation pioneer passed away in Grapevine, Texas, leaving behind a legacy of breaking gender barriers in aerospace. Funk was part of the Mercury 13 program but was denied a NASA astronaut role before her historic private spaceflight. The New York Times+2

🚀 Historic Spaceflight Achievement

Funk made history at age 82 by flying on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin mission, becoming the oldest woman in space. Her 10-minute suborbital flight fulfilled a lifelong dream after decades of exclusion from NASA's astronaut program. The record was later surpassed by William Shatner at age 90. RIA Novosti+2

✈️ Aviation Trailblazer

As one of 13 female pilots in the Mercury 13 program, Funk underwent the same rigorous testing as male astronauts in the 1960s but was never selected. She spent her career advocating for women in aviation and held multiple flight instructor certifications. Funk's perseverance inspired generations of female aerospace professionals. The Independent+2

🏆 Lasting Legacy

Funk's achievements earned her a Guinness World Record and widespread recognition in the aerospace community. Her story highlighted systemic gender barriers while demonstrating the possibilities of private space travel. Colleagues remember her as a relentless pioneer who paved the way for future astronauts. ABC News+2

🌍 Final Resting Place

Authorities confirmed Funk died peacefully in Grapevine, Texas, after recent health challenges. Tributes poured in from space agencies and aviation organizations worldwide, honoring her contributions to aerospace history. Memorial services are being planned by her family and the aviation community. Toronto Star+2

Jeff BezosMercury 13Wally FunkBlue OriginNew Shepard