Wally Funk's Race for Space : The Extraordinary Story of a Female Aviation Pioneer

In 1961, Wally Funk was among the Mercury 13, the first group of American pilots to pass the 'Women in Space' programme. Wally sailed through a series of rigorous physical and mental tests, her scores beating many of the male candidates', including those of John Glenn, the first American in orbit. But just one week before she was due to enter the final phase of training, the programme was abruptly cancelled. A combination of politics and prejudice meant that none of the women ever flew into space. Undeterred, Wally went on to become one of America's first female aviation inspectors and civilian flight instructors, though her dream of being an astronaut never dimmed. In this offbeat odyssey, journalist and fellow space buff Sue Nelson travels with Wally, now approaching her eightieth birthday, as she races to make her giant leap - before it's too late. Covering their travels across the United States and Europe - taking in NASA's mission control in Houston and Spaceport America in New Mexico, where Wally's ride to space awaits - this is a uniquely intimate and entertaining portrait of a true aviation trailblazer In 1961, Wally Funk was among the Mercury 13, the first group of American pilots to pass the Woman in Space programme. Wally sailed through a series of rigorous physical and mental tests, with one of her scores beating all the male Mercury 7 astronauts, including John Glenns, the first American in orbit. But just one week before the final phase of training, the programme was abruptly cancelled. A combination of politics and prejudice meant that none of the women ever flew into space. Undeterred, Wally went on to become Americas first female aviation safety inspector, though her dream of being an astronaut never dimmed. In this offbeat odyssey, journalist and fellow space buff Sue Nelson joins Wally, now approaching her eightieth birthday, as she races to make her own giant leap, before its too late. Covering their travels across the United States and Europe taking in NASAs mission control in Houston, the European Space Agencys HQ in Paris and Spaceport America in New Mexico, where Wallys ride into space awaits this is a uniquely intimate and entertaining portrait of a true aviation trailblazer. As Seen In The Major Netflix Documentary 'mercury 13' A Daily Mail Book Of The Week In 1961, Wally Funk Was The Youngest Of Thirteen American Female Pilots In The Woman In Space Programme. Her Mission Was To Become One Of The First Women Astronauts. But A Combination Of Politics And Prejudice Meant The Programme Was Abruptly Cancelled. Neither Wally Nor The Other Pilots Ever Made It Into Space. Now Approaching Eighty, Wally Is Joined By Fellow Space Enthusiast Sue Nelson As She Races To Make Her Giant Leap Before It's Too Late. They Travel Across The United States And Europe - Taking In Nasa's Mission Control In Houston And Spaceport America In New Mexico, Where Wally's Ride Into Space Awaits - Meeting With Female Astronauts And Trailblazers Along The Way. Touching On The Space Race And Women's Achievements In Aviation, This Is The Remarkable Story Of A Courageous Pioneer Who Could Have Been The First Woman In Space. First book to cover the true story of female pilot Wally Funk, who led the way for women in space, written by award-winning British journalist. The entertaining and inspirational story of a female pilot who led the way for women in space, written by an award-winning British journalist.