Wally Funk's Race for Space cover art

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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About this listen

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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All stars
Most relevant
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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Wally Funk could have been the first woman on the moon. We’re reminded of this often by author and science journalist Sue Nelson in this inspiring, and also intimate, audiobook. Hearing about Wally’s achievements and escapades over the years, along with other women in space science, is a wonderful thing, but what made this book so fabulous for me was the relationship between Sue and Wally: one clearly very talented woman documenting the life and ambitions of another, on a series of a adventures and road trips, all with the backdrop of Wally striving to get her rightful place in space. I want to travel with them always.

A road trip with two brilliant women

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One of the best audio books about one of my heroines. clearly read and thoroughly captivating.

Wally Funk! Amazing woman

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Wonderfully inspiring Sue Nelson tells of the amazing Wally Funk. You have my daughter hooked!

Brilliant! Just that...

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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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