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Wally Funk's Race for Space
The Extraordinary Story of a Female Aviation Pioneer
By (author)
Sue Nelson
Genres:
True stories, True stories of heroism, endurance & survival, Social & cultural history, Popular astronomy & space
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Synopsis
The biography of Wally Funk as seen in the acclaimed major Netflix documentary Mercury 13
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 Glenn's, 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 America's 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 it's too late. Covering their travels across the United States and Europe - taking in NASA's mission control in Houston, the European Space Agency's HQ in Paris and Spaceport America in New Mexico, where Wally's ride into space awaits - this is a uniquely intimate and entertaining portrait of a true aviation trailblazer. New & Used
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What Reviewers Are Saying
'Wally Funk's story is a textbook study in indefatigable, American, can-do spirit.' - The Guardian; "Fascinating and poignant ... puts the story of women in space front and centre' - Dallas Campbell;'A wonderful, vivid portrait of Wally Funk that explores the crucial part women have played in space exploration.' - Libby Jackson, author of A Galaxy of Her Own;'A charming window into the life of an extraordinary woman.' - Angela Saini, author of Inferior;'Inspiring ... I am in great admiration of Wally Funk who showed tremendous courage and determination at a time when the world of space flight was dominated by men.' - Jan Worner, Director General of the European Space Agency; `I thoroughly enjoyed it. Wally is a one of a kind individual and [this book] accurately portrayed her. She has inspired many and continues to inspire many.' Sarah Ratley, Mercury 13 original member; `I got a kick out of your description of Wally who is definitely one of a kind. ... We women pilots are blessed to mingle with some mighty interesting and accomplished women. And [this is] a fine job of introducing Wally to the world.' Gene Nora Jessen, Mercury 13 original member; `[This] is not only the story of a historic space mission that never happened, but a story of frustration, friendship and feminism. ... After the success of Hidden Figures, Wally Funk's Race for Space feels immensely important and timely - like the world is finally waking up to women's contributions to science and engineering.' Physics World; `The narrative flows wonderfully under Nelson's light and witty style ... This is a truly inspiring book about friendship, women's place in the history of aviation and spac, and the cost of a dream.' Niamh Shaw, BBC Sky at Night Magazine, *****