Wally Funk, an aviation pioneer who became the oldest woman to travel into space, has died at the age of 87.She was one of 13 female pilots who underwent the same rigorous tests as NASA’s all-male astronaut corps in the early 1960s but was never selected for spaceflight.

Despite this, Funk remained determined, and her long-awaited journey finally came in 2021 when she joined Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket mission at the age of 82.At the time, she was the oldest person to reach space, though this record was later surpassed by William Shatner and Ed Dwight, both aged 90.Funk’s death occurred at her apartment in Grapevine, Texas, following complications from recent falls and a leg infection.NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman praised her as an inspiration, highlighting her passion for flight and perseverance.Her passing marks the end of an era for space exploration, as she symbolised the untapped potential of women in aviation.The article underscores her legacy as a trailblazer who defied the odds, proving that age is no barrier to achieving extraordinary goals.Her story continues to inspire future generations to pursue their dreams, regardless of societal limitations.