National Space Society Space Forum, June 20, 2024
Wally Funk: Higher, Faster, Longer
With
Loretta Hall
Author and Researcher
NSS Space Ambassador
Watch this NSS Space Forum for an inspiring presentation by NSS Space Ambassador Loretta Hall as she delves into the remarkable life of Wally Funk, a trailblazer in aviation and space exploration. In 1961, thirteen highly skilled female pilots, later known as the Mercury 13, passed the same rigorous physical exams as the Mercury astronauts. Despite their qualifications, they were not given the opportunity to join NASA's human spaceflight program. Among these pioneering women was the youngest member, Wally Funk, who refused to accept this denial of her dreams.
For the next six decades, Wally Funk demonstrated extraordinary perseverance and determination, continuously preparing herself and seeking chances to reach space. Along the way, she shattered numerous barriers in aviation, becoming a symbol of creative perseverance and unyielding positivity.
Loretta Hall narrates the compelling story of Wally Funk's ongoing pursuit of her spacefaring dreams, her achievements in aviation, and her ultimate triumph with her flight on Blue Origin’s New Shepard launch vehicle on July 20, 2021. This presentation is an engaging and motivational session, celebrating the spirit of a woman who epitomizes the essence of reaching "higher, faster, longer." Enjoy this opportunity to learn about a true icon in aerospace history and be inspired by her journey of persistence and success.
Loretta Hall is the author of six nonfiction books about human involvement in space travel. She collaborated with Wally Funk to write the memoir of the youngest member of the Mercury 13, who completed her 60-year quest for spaceflight with Blue Origin in July 2021 at the age of 82. Loretta has been an NSS Space Ambassador since 2012 and has served on the Phase II Space Ambassadors Subcommittee since 2017.
15 окт 2024
