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Wally Funk's Race for Space

The Extraordinary Story of a Female Aviation Pioneer

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Wally Funk's Race for Space

By: Sue Nelson
Narrated by: Sue Nelson
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Summary

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 80th 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.

©2018 Sue Nelson (P)2018 Audible, Ltd Professionals & Academics Science & Technology Women Aviation US Air Force Air Force
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Where does she get her energy? Found myself really liking Wally Funk, hoping so much that she gets to experience her dream of going into space and wanting to meet her! Great insights into a fascinating world of space exploration and well read. Loved it.

A brilliant book about a brilliant woman

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The book puts you in places and make you feel the moments....I always looked forward to pick up my phone and listen...

what a book! amazing

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A really interesting book, recounting the achievements of a wonderful female aviation pioneer. Sue is an excellent author and narrator, sharing both Wally's story and their adventures together, set in the context of other women's experiences in aviation and space flight. Highly recommended.

Fascinating true story

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A wonderful tale, sympathetic and inspiring. Affectionately told, comprehensive and entertaining. Wally is a legend.

Inspiring

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I love anything to do with space and Iwould have loved to meet Wally and Sue. Gripping, funny, sad, interesting, beautfully read what else can I say? I met Helen Sharman when she came to officially open my technology centre at my school when I was the head of the department, she was the most down to earth, humble and interesting person I have ever met. I’m not surprised she was upset with the way the press treated her. She deserves, like Wally much higher praise and standing in our technological society.

Outstanding good book best this year so far

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