Wally Funk is a pioneer in aviation and a testament to perseverance. Here’s a summary of her remarkable life: Wally Funk Biography, Age, Height, Awards and Husband
Trailblazer in Aviation:
Funk’s passion for flight began early. By the age of nine, she was already taking flying lessons, and by 20, she became a professional aviator. She holds several distinctions: First female civilian flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. First female FAA inspector. First female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board.
Mercury 13:
In 1961, Wally Funk was part of a group of 13 highly qualified women who underwent rigorous testing even more demanding than the astronaut selection process of the time. This program, unofficially called Mercury 13, aimed to put women in space, but it was ultimately canceled. Despite the disappointment, Funk never gave up on her dream.
Lifelong Dream Fulfilled:
In July 2021, at the age of 82, Wally Funk finally achieved her lifelong dream of flying to space. She became the oldest person to travel to space on Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital spacecraft. This accomplishment broke a record previously held by John Glenn for 23 years (though it was later surpassed by William Shatner that same year).
Inspiration and Legacy:
Wally Funk’s story is one of passion, determination, and breaking barriers. She serves as an inspiration for future generations, particularly young girls, to pursue careers in aviation and space exploration. Her memoir, “Higher, Faster, Longer: My Live in Aviation and My Quest for Spaceflight,” chronicles her journey.
Wally Funk’s achievements have been recognized through several awards and honors throughout her career. Here’s a compilation:
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1964: Alumna Achievement Award: Presented by Stephens College (now Columbia College) in recognition of her outstanding work in aviation.
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1965: Outstanding Young Women of America: Selected for this honor based on her exceptional abilities, accomplishments, and service.
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2012: Filmed Life Story: Featured by the Traveling Space Museum, documenting her remarkable journey.
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2017: Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum Wall of Honor: Inscribed in recognition of her significant contributions to aviation and space exploration.
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2021: Katherine and Marjorie Stinson Trophy: Awarded by the National Aeronautic Association (NAA) for blazing trails for women in aviation and spaceflight, inspiring future generations of aerospace professionals. This prestigious award recognizes her lifelong dedication to the field.
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Wally Funk holds the Guinness World Record for the Oldest Woman in Space:She achieved this record at the age of 82 years and 169 days during her Blue Origin flight on July 20, 2021. This record was later surpassed by William Shatner who flew to space at the age of 90 in October 2021. However, Wally Funk’s accomplishment remains a significant milestone for women in space exploration.
While Wally Funk may not have received awards specifically for her spaceflight in 2021, it undoubtedly stands as a testament to her unwavering pursuit of a dream she held since childhood.
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