Wally Funk will fly to space on New Shepard’s first human flight

Fulfilling a lifelong mission to become an astronaut, Wally Funk will fly to space on New Shepard’s first human flight on July 20 as an honored guest. She will join Jeff Bezos, his brother Mark Bezos, and the auction winner on the flight. 
Learn more: bit.ly/2Uk0SFp

[@dufkers]

OK, credit where it's due: You made a good coice there Jeff.

[@I-0-0-I]

Agreed. Kudos.

[@mikeybhoutex]

@Ankit Meher Stop the misinformation, she did no such thing. They invited her.

[@sambowen]

@Ankit Meher my understanding is there are 4 seats. Two taken by the Bezos Brothers, one by the 28mil donation, and then Wally. Pretty awesome if you ask me!

[@TheBooban]

@@sambowen there are six seats. I think the brothers are bringing their wives.

[@mozzde4675]

You know she paid 1m$ to get that opportunity

[@nagarjunkashyap5987]

Look at her joy! She truly deserves this!

[@paulsto6516]

She gets to go for free?

[@jacquedegatineau9037]

she truly doesn't. but, it's an interesting story and neat for her.

[@Christamaiztha]

She truly payed like 28 000 000

[@mikedicenso2778]

@@Christamaiztha No, she did not bid. She's a guest.

[@nowhereman1046]

@@Christamaiztha Liar. She did not. The first two seats are for Jeff and Mark, the third to the winning bidder, and the fourth seat to Wally.

[@Patyx42]

Fantastic choice. At 82, she will become the oldest person in space ever!

[@ecognitio9605]

"Space" ;)

[@SFSEagle]

It technically goes to space

[@dummyjoe7895]

@@ecognitio9605 it does go to space. Space and orbit are two different things. Space is space

[@kynnmaster1239]

@@SFSEagle woah! Hellow there!

[@Diggnuts]

@@dummyjoe7895 It is rather an arbitrary definition. It is just 100km and a short while in near-vacuum. That you can do on the ground as well. Going 28000Kph however is an order of magnitude above that. These are indeed different things and calling them both "space" is basically pointless semantics.

[@CAPFlyer]

So happy to hear that Wally is finally getting her chance to fly to space. After so many tries and being so close at least 2 times, she definitely deserves it.

[@TheBooban]

She will go up with Virgin Galactic as well. She will be the only person who has ridden on both rides , a record she’ll keep probably for a very long time.

[@olson8r364]

I'm one of her 3,000 students! Wally is by far the most amazing person I've ever had a chance to fly with!!!! Way to go Jeff!!!! Thanks for making my great friend so happy!!!!!

[@clevergirl4457]

ok, usually not a fan of Bezos, but this was a nice considered choice.

[@SolarWebsite]

100% agree with both sentiments

[@karimnassar7706]

Agree

[@liamsaucedo2223]

why don't people like Bezos? Not that I'm disagreeing with you, I just don't know much about him

[@clevergirl4457]

@@liamsaucedo2223 ok… despite having his billions, has paid little income tax. His company Amazon has bad workers conditions, which he seems to brush off to the side. Etc etc But for me Bezos’ work in “space” is no match for Elon Musk, another rich guy who’s work I admire but who’s personality I dislike. This will be Blue Origins first crewed flight to the edge of space, so they are years behind Elon Musk’s SpaceX. It’s just that at the same time they’re competing for the NASA Artemis program and NASA chose SpaceX, which is already building and testing their Starships-go check them out-that will be modified to help NASA with their mission back to the moon. But then Jeff comes along and overturns it because he claims it to be an unfair judgment. The two space companies have been around for a similar amount of time, and in that time SpaceX has sort of revolutionised the industry while Blue Origin has built a single small rocket that can go only to the edge of space. ok, if you read this far, sorry for wasting you time, lol

[@liamsaucedo2223]

@@clevergirl4457 haha cool thx for the explanation. Yeah SpaceX is miles ahead of its competition, but I still like other companies like Blue Origin, Virgin, and Boeing because they’ll make each other better and it means more launches and other space events for us to enjoy. I personally hope Boeing gets going on the Starliner because then we’d have 4 entities sending people to the ISS which is great

[@ScienceBreather]

Ok, it's this month finally, less than three weeks. The wait is almost over!

[@slimeking101]

This actually made me cry, I'm so happy for her, God speed Wally fly safe 🚀🚀🚀

[@storminmormin14]

That’s some amazing PR. It’s also just an amazing thing to do.

[@Theironminer-ky2pg]

Elon musk sending his car into space was also pr, I dont really thing it being good PR is a good way to critisize

[@Theironminer-ky2pg]

@@xyanide0101 I bet my ass if elon musk did this your opinion would change.

[@filip9564]

@@xyanide0101 Not just feminists. It must suc studying and working hard your entire life to just be turned down because youre a women. They had pretty good reasosns back then but it still must have suced for them. Now both men and women can go so its only fair that she gets to go.

[@terran236]

@@xyanide0101 do you know Jeff Bezos personally? I'm pretty sure you'd be bitching if you would have picked a guy. Most people nowadays b**** about everything.

[@FeelGoodOK]

That pretty bird deserves to fly in Space! Thank you, Jeff, for choosing her!!!

[@squidking191]

Ill give credit. Mr who did good on this choice.

[@affinix887]

It was bezos

[@squidking191]

@@affinix887 *Mr who.

[@chewinggum5550]

@@affinix887 jeff who ?

[@ripplewavess]

@@affinix887 Jeff Who?

[@endergamesbr1322]

@@affinix887 Jeff Who?

[@freiherrvonbraun6942]

Her enthusiasm is infectious!

[@flyjarrett]

I met Wally when I was in college flying for NIFA. She hasn’t changed.

[@shaheerkardar2803]

Really?

[@Schwing27]

She’s so excited. I’m happy for her.

[@Szuriable]

82 and this much energy! Bless her heart.

[@IvorMektin1701]

I'm going to smile all day because of her!

[@LeoYambao]

She’s so happy Good job jeff

[@maibac1]

0:43 respect to the editor!

[@justspace103]

This is so awesome. The Mercury 13 were amazing, and so happy to see one of them going to space!

[@JohnMaun]

Awesome, good for you Wally and good on Bezos for picking her.

[@thomasroberts664]

Great choice!

[@hvuv]

she is really passionate.

[@SixDasher]

When Funk is not your middle name but your actual family name, you know you're the coolest cat out there. Funk is going to space.

[@andrewwmitchell]

She's awesome and it sucks that she's had to wait five decades longer than she should have. Good on Blue Origin for giving her the ride she deserves.

[@carlphilip4393]

shees such a heartwarming person

[@paulsto6516]

JB is depending on that.

[@WasatchWind]

I was a bit annoyed when I heard someone had bid so much for this seat. However, I think this is one of the best people it could've gone to. edit: she's not the person who won the bid - but I'm still super happy she's flying on this. Now we just need to get her on Dragon!

[@iamarokotmanson]

Yeah one of the Mercury 13

[@jenakuns]

For reference, she wasn't the bidder; New Shepard can take 4 people and she's the fourth. Bidder's identity remains unknown.

[@djstoplichtofficial]

@@jenakuns New Sheppard can take 6 people, but will only carry 4 on the maiden flight

[@jenakuns]

@@djstoplichtofficial Good point.

[@FredQuijada]

Godspeed and God bless Wally! Can’t wait to see you fulfill that beautiful dream! We’ll all be in that cockpit with you!

[@mikeybhoutex]

The look on her face as she hears the news from Jeff... Perfect. Good job. She needs to go. Go Wally! Go BO!

[@ansarnevrekar4808]

The joy on her face makes me feel happy

[@candygleason3333]

As an Alum of Stephens College I am thrilled that Wally finally gets to live her dream! And at 82!!! Fabulous!

[@henrik8812]

She is not 82. She is 30. What an inspiration!

[@emmaburgess1621]

That’s amazing, great choice. So happy for her!!

[@Antares2]

An absolutely excellent choice! Can't think of anyone who deserves it more. Well done!

[@galagachamp]

Wally is amazing. I'm so happy she's going to get to go to space!

[@brianboyd8692]

Glad to see her flying!

[@antoniobryon111]

I hope Ed Dwight jr, has the fifth seat in new Shepard

[@alvingultom2802]

finally u made a good choice jeff

[@kineticgeoff]

He's a billionaire.. he's been making good choices all his life ;)

[@kakelso]

I'm not excited to see Jeff and Mark go to space. I'm not excited to see some billionaire who won an auction go to space. But I am excited to see this lady go to space!

[@Ggzerbe4]

That billionaire is donating 28 million to a good cause for his ride.

[@kakelso]

@@Ggzerbe4 I understand that, but it still doesn't get me excited to see him/her fly. I would be more excited if they'd done a raffle, where it was possible for anyone to win (even if it's more likely a wealthy person could win by buying more tickets), like Inspiration 4 did. And Jeff could have sneezed on his checkbook and accidentally made that donation to his own charity. So no, not that exciting.

[@cheng-weihsiao3738]

She is so excited~

[@GustavoCebo]

This Is Gold! ❤️

[@picknikbasket]

Amazing woman, amazing gift!

[@rickbaran4390]

Great Choice Jeff! 😊👍

[@cornbreadfedkirkpatrick9647]

Ma'am finally but do this for those who were denied in the first place and for those who are still being told you can't do anything because your female and do this for me, so I can be free finally in spirit and maybe from my personal bondage.

[@barbaradavis393]

Wally is such a sweetheart & such an accomplished pilot. She deserves this! Have a wonderful time, "girl"!

[@seasong7655]

Have fun guys!

[@jukio02]

That was really nice of Jeff to do.

[@smitaprajnaprusty7694]

Crazy energy and positivity ....zero fear .

[@ArnaudMEURET]

This is the greatest PR stunt that the space race has ever created ! 🥰

[@joacogonzalez1430]

For this time, you have my respect Jeff

[@20thcenturyboy85]

Good Luck with the Flight!

[@zeternity88]

Feel happy for her, she was so excited and full of energy. Such an inspiration

[@louisep5178]

What a wonderful gesture Jeff very well done 👌so excited to see you both in space - good luck and I hope the landing in smooth.

[@MegaHowtoMan]

Great choice. Love the calendar on her wall.

[@darthvader3177]

She’s so happy , lots of love to all astronauts ♥️

[@amberl.brewer8538]

So excited for you! That spirit is what gives hope to others! Three days left! God Bless!!....from Gillette, Wyoming!

[@drbobs8267]

Woo woo woo woo! Awesome! Wally absolutely deserves this opportunity and there couldn’t have been a better choice. Watching this made me cry. So happy for her- long time coming!

[@sunnych2665]

He is proving what success is.He worked so hard for Amazon and now for blue origin it explains that we can reach many goals through hard work.

[@spacexneuralink3945]

awesome 😊😊😊😍

[@arthurribas3344]

she is an absolute legend, it was a good choice

[@ermin3963]

This put tears in my eyes! How incredible to see this woman finally realize her dream and at that age. She should be an inspiration for all of us.

[@Hutch5321]

Can you imagine if Elon was the auction winner!

[@IvorMektin1701]

🤣

[@dislike__button]

I'm sure he has more exciting stuff to do 😀

[@loxt9113]

Why would he want to fly on Jeff’s rocket if he has own?

[@brcshephard]

July 20th is going to be a very special day!!!

[@AboutCreativity1]

Very good, sometimes it does take a lifetime to meet with a dream. Keep dreaming!

[@melindanicole9116]

I have goosebumps watching this! That is so exciting and amazing, she definitely deserves it!

[@user-je7ib6qe8y]

You are great fellows for giving the opportunity to fulfill the dream of someone who wanted 60 years. I adore you ❤

[@BenjaminStJohn-en9nv]

Jeff you absolutely nailed this one.

[@djstoplichtofficial]

Nice one Blue👌🏻

[@tab_use]

The future is... Dream chaser !!! the little son of Space Shuttle.

[@whereswa11y]

Awesome Wally. From one Wally to another, you go girl.

[@brentsrx7]

This woman is amazing.

[@kampherfrankysyiem855]

God bless you grandma amen

[@juancuelloespinosa]

infectious enthusiasm

[@MegtoothSithSabers]

This is an awesome pick! Go Wally! Im excited for 7/20.

[@gyozakeynsianism]

This lady is awesome.

[@RK-lo2nw]

I'm glad to hear that their trip to space was indeed a resounding success. Kudos, Blue Origin.

[@MrMarco7259]

I watched a 8 time used, orbital class booster fall out of the sky and land yesterday. Just say'in.

[@christianhiggy4883]

When

[@XOTICKMX]

When did this happen

[@paulsto6516]

@@XOTICKMX Yesterday 6/30 at 2pm

[@MrMarco7259]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYTMpopnfch6oKM

[@nathanlewis5871]

I also saw Elon being a whiny bitch yesterday on Twitter with Tory. Just say'in.

[@kevinblack7193]

YeeHaw, Enjoy! 🚀

[@LAMAKMUSIC]

Even tho it’s a PR move, I’ll give this props she put the time in

[@paulsto6516]

PR is all he has left. Very expensive, carefully thought out, heart string plucking, PR.

[@ICEDLLC]

Wally I love you & I’m so freaking happy for you!! 😄❤️❤️‼️‼️🙏🏽🙏🏽 #dreamcometrue!! #mercury13!! #YOUDESERVEIT!!

[@Mr.Mister420]

Granny is killin it

[@stephenmiles8424]

just watching you now on tv have a wonderful time and safe trip best wishes uk

[@andywise2031]

So happy for her! Safe travels!!!

[@airplanegirl01]

Way to go young lady. You're an inspiration to all of us who dreamt of being astronauts, but apparently didn't have the right stuff. You definitely have the right stuff.

[@seasong7655]

I hope you put on altitude in meters this time, so we actually know if you passed the 100km line. It's not that hard to convert. One of your software guys could add it in 5 minutes.

[@flaviocunha7576]

who won the auction? anybody knows.

[@chrismehling9968]

Fantastic choice. She deserves this. Now I'll watch.

[@tokyocabin]

Congratulations Wally, You made it at last! I am Trailblazer named by you in 2006. Love from Tokyo.

[@leeterthanyou]

This sparks joy.

[@IanBerg]

Richard Branson's high altitude flight on July 11 will be remembered as just a footnote to this one on July 20 just like your infographic said: Branson rode an airplane rather than a rocket and did not cross the Karman line of 100 km in altitude. And, with Wally Funk, you've got a 1960s space pioneer onboard too!

[@VrataVenet]

God's speed Sally! Great choice Jeff!

[@Perhapsian]

Blue Origin may be moving at a sloth pace, but I like this.

[@gustavogargioni7197]

+1 for the Blues

[@simplify964]

Good choice, she deserves this flight, good luck👍

[@Pottery4Life]

Ok. That's just too cool!!

[@kissthesky40]

this is a good thing

[@Saint_Vincent1735]

Oh I would love Wally to go to the iss on the spacex. She's a legend, makes me so cross that she was denied her shot when she was in her prime.

[@4therepublic733]

They don’t make them like that anymore. Im glad she’s going

[@azrael8456]

What a nice woman, im really happy for her. Greetings from Turkey

[@thechickenduck8377]

I'm less than half her age, and it seems she's got 200x my energy. She's worked her passion, while I'm moving Outlook emails from A to B. I need to change my life :)

[@alphamegaman8847]

Good for Her!🚀🥰👍