# Wally Funk’s Space Legacy | Auckland News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371/wally-funk-s-space-legacy-auckland-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371/wally-funk-s-space-legacy-auckland-news.md
Podcast: [Auckland News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/auckland-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7853371)
Published: 2026-07-10T03:00:40+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/5304ee24b42f7d38
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/59137f8d-ddf4-48c6-8982-a7b006dbd904.mp3
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Duration seconds: 115

## Resource

Wally Funk, the fearless trailblazer who finally soared into space at 82—becoming the oldest person to do so—passed away at 87, leaving behind a legacy of courage and relentless pursuit of dreams. Once denied astronaut status in the 1960s despite outperforming her male peers, she shattered barriers as the first female flight instructor and FAA inspector, logging 19,000+ flight hours and training 3,000+ pilots. Her historic Blue Origin flight in 2021, aboard Jeff Bezos’ rocket, wasn’t just a milestone—it was pure joy, as she declared she wanted to go again, earning the title “America’s new sweetheart.” Though William Shatner briefly surpassed her record at 90, Funk’s enduring spirit remains unmatched. Her life proves that age is just a number when you’re chasing the stars. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/5304ee24b42f7d38

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## Transcript

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