Mercury 13 icon Wally Funk, who waited 60 years to reach space with Jeff Bezos, dies at 87

Wally Funk, Mercury 13 Pioneer, Dies at 87 After 60-Year Space Dream

Mercury 13 icon Wally Funk who waited - Wally Funk, a trailblazing figure in aviation history and a celebrated Mercury 13 icon, has passed away at the age of 87. Her death was announced by Mona Quintanilla, the city spokeswoman for Grapevine, Texas, who shared that Funk spent her final days peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. A lifelong advocate for women in aerospace, Funk’s journey to space finally culminated in 2021 when she boarded Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin New Shepard mission, becoming the oldest woman to travel to space and setting a Guinness World Record.

A Decades-Long Journey Beyond Earth

Wally Funk’s path to space began in the early 1960s when she became one of the 25 women selected for NASA’s astronaut program through the Mercury 13 initiative. Despite passing all rigorous tests, including those for pilot training, she was excluded from the program due to gender bias. This setback didn’t deter her; instead, Funk dedicated her life to advancing aviation and space exploration. Her 2020 memoir,

“Aviation has been my whole life. I eat it, and I breathe it,”

captures her unyielding passion, which was forged in childhood when she leapt from her father’s barn in a Superman cape at five.

For over six decades, Funk remained a symbol of resilience and determination. Her eventual spaceflight in 2021 was not just a personal milestone but a historic moment for the Mercury 13 icon, who became the first member of the group to reach the cosmos. The mission, part of Blue Origin’s suborbital space program, marked a triumphant conclusion to a life spent pushing boundaries in a male-dominated field.

Mercury 13: The Women Who Dared to Dream

Wally Funk was among the 13 women who earned the title "Mercury 13" after surviving intense evaluations for NASA’s early space program. These women, including the Mercury 13 icon, were pioneers in proving that women could meet the same physical and mental demands as their male counterparts. Funk’s exceptional performance during testing set her apart, as she was the only Mercury 13 member to achieve full pilot training, a feat that would have earned her a spot in the astronaut corps had it not been for institutional sexism.

While NASA hesitated to include women in its astronaut ranks, Funk continued to shape the industry through her work. She became the first female flight instructor at Fort Sill Army Base and the first woman to inspect aircraft for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Her career also extended to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), where she served as an air safety investigator. Over 3,000 pilots were trained under her guidance, cementing her legacy as a Mercury 13 icon who transformed aviation standards.

A Legacy Etched in History and Honor

The Mercury 13 icon’s contributions have been widely recognized, with multiple posthumous honors reflecting her impact on aerospace. In 1995, she was inducted into the Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame, and in 2017, the National Air and Space Museum honored her with a place on its Wall of Honor. Her achievements were further celebrated in 2024 with an induction into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame, underscoring her role as a Mercury 13 icon.

Funk’s influence extended beyond her own accomplishments. Her story inspired future generations of female astronauts and aviators, and her inclusion in the Mercury Hall of Fame and the International Space Hall of Fame highlighted her place in history. Tanya Harrison, a planetary scientist, noted that Funk’s abilities were on par with, if not surpassing, many male astronauts competing for early space missions. Her perseverance and expertise remain a testament to the Mercury 13 icon’s enduring legacy.

Contributions to Aviation and Space Advocacy

Throughout her 70-year career, Wally Funk amassed an estimated 30,000 flight hours, a testament to her dedication and skill. Her work as a pilot, instructor, and safety expert laid the groundwork for future advancements in aviation. Even after her retirement, Funk remained active in advocating for gender equality in space exploration. She was a vocal proponent of the Mercury 13 icon’s recognition and continued to inspire through interviews, writings, and public appearances.

Funk’s journey exemplifies the challenges faced by the Mercury 13 icon and other women in the space race. Despite being denied a chance to join NASA in 1963, she never stopped believing in her potential. Her 2021 spaceflight not only validated her lifelong pursuit but also sparked renewed interest in the Mercury 13’s contributions. As a result, her story is now a cornerstone of discussions about gender equity in aerospace, ensuring the Mercury 13 icon’s place in history is never forgotten.

Final Years and Lasting Influence

Wally Funk’s final years were marked by reflection and celebration of her historic journey. Her memoir, which detailed her career and the Mercury 13 icon’s struggle for recognition, became a source of inspiration for aspiring astronauts. Funk’s work in aviation and space advocacy also paved the way for organizations to support women in STEM fields, a cause she championed throughout her life. Her legacy lives on in the countless individuals who continue to break barriers in the same spirit she embodied.

As the Mercury 13 icon, Funk’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance and belief in one’s abilities. Her 60-year wait to reach space was not in vain, and her flight aboard the New Shepard mission served as a milestone for both her and the broader community of female explorers. Her passing leaves a void in the aerospace world, but her achievements will continue to inspire future generations to chase the stars without limits.