Funk died Wednesday at her apartment in an assisted living facility in Grapevine, Texas, according to Grapevine City Councilwoman Duff O’Dell, who also served as her caregiver. O’Dell said she was by Funk’s side when she died.

Funk had recently suffered several falls and developed a leg infection that contributed to her declining health, O’Dell said.

“It took its toll,” O’Dell said in a telephone interview.

Funk spent decades pursuing a dream that was repeatedly denied. In the early 1960s, she was one of the Mercury 13, a group of female pilots who completed the same demanding medical and physical tests as NASA’s male astronaut candidates. However, NASA never admitted the women into its astronaut program because women were excluded from serving as astronauts at the time.

That changed in 2021 when Amazon founder Jeff Bezos invited Funk to join Blue Origin’s first crewed spaceflight as an honored guest.

At 82, she became the oldest woman to travel into space during the suborbital flight from West Texas. She flew alongside Bezos and two other passengers. Her record was later surpassed by William Shatner and Ed Dwight, who each traveled to space at age 90.

Tributes honor an aviation trailblazer

Blue Origin paid tribute to Funk following news of her death, describing her as “a pioneer in every sense of the word.”

“We were humbled to be part of her journey,” the company said in a post on X.

O’Dell remembered Funk as someone who refused to let rejection define her.

“She was told by many, many, many men, ‘No, you can’t do this. No, you can’t do that,'” O’Dell said. “And she never got mad about it. She just was more determined.”

A legacy that extended beyond space

Funk also achieved several historic milestones during her aviation career. She became the first female inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration and later the first female air safety investigator for the National Transportation Safety Board, according to a biography released by the City of Grapevine.

Although she never flew as a NASA astronaut, Funk became a lasting symbol of determination and perseverance. Her eventual journey into space inspired generations of women interested in aviation, science and aerospace careers.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman also honored Funk in a post on X.

“Wally Funk never stopped believing that one day she would reach space,” Isaacman wrote. “Her passion for flight, perseverance, and love of exploration will continue to inspire generations of Americans. Godspeed, Wally.”

This report is based on reporting by The Associated Press.

Article Topics: Space Exploration | Aviation | Obituaries | NASA | Blue Origin | Women in STEM | Mercury 13

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As billionaire Jeff Bezos gets ready to marry journalist Lauren Sanchez in what’s rumored to be a $10-million wedding in Venice, not everyone in the historic city is celebrating.

In fact, many Venetians are furious—and they’re taking to the streets and canals to make it known.

On a sweltering June afternoon, around 300 protesters gathered near the famous Rialto Bridge. Most were young, underemployed locals who call themselves “precarious.” They carried signs reading “No Space for Bezos” and waved banners showing a cartoon version of Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. Their goal: disrupt what they see as a luxury spectacle that highlights how their city is being taken over by the ultra-rich.

Locals Push Back Against Billionaire Takeover

Bezos’ wedding is expected to take over some of Venice’s most iconic spaces, including the 14th-century Misericordia and the island of San Giorgio Maggiore. Protesters even climbed a bell tower recently to hang a banner protesting the event.

“If Bezos thinks he can glide into our city unnoticed, he’s in for a surprise,” said protest organizer Federica Toninello. “We’ll block the streets, the canals—he won’t get to the Misericordia without seeing our resistance.”

Another protester, Na Haby Stella Faye, called on fellow Venetians to speak up. “Let’s make sure Venice is remembered not for Bezos’ party—but for standing up to billionaires who treat our home like a movie set.”

Why the Wedding Struck a Nerve

For many locals, the issue goes far beyond this one wedding.

Venice has been struggling for years with the pressures of mass tourism and rising inequality. Housing is harder to find, long-term jobs are scarce, and basic services like schools and hospitals have shut down. Most young people can’t afford to stay in the city. Some are forced to live in the mainland suburbs and commute in for low-wage work.

Now add a billionaire’s superyacht—worth half a billion dollars—anchored in the lagoon, and it’s easy to see why tempers are flaring.

Even Venice’s new €10 entry fee for tourists hasn’t done much to slow the crowds or fix the deeper problems. To many residents, Bezos’ wedding feels like the last straw—a symbol of a city that caters more to the global elite than to the people who live and work there.

Venice Has Fought Back Before

This isn’t the first time Venetians have stood up against powerful interests.

The long-running No Grandi Navi (“No Big Ships”) campaign led to a successful ban on massive cruise liners in the city’s central canals. Activists also pushed for tighter controls on short-term rentals like Airbnb, which have hollowed out neighborhoods and driven up rents.

So while Bezos’ wedding may seem like a one-off event, to protesters it’s a flashpoint in a much larger fight over Venice’s future.

Not Everyone Supports the Protests

Regional officials are pushing back. Veneto’s governor, Luca Zaia, called the protests “embarrassing” and argued that the event would bring attention and money to the region. Venice’s mayor, Luigi Brugnaro, went even further—saying he was “ashamed” of the protests and hoped Bezos and Sanchez wouldn’t cancel.

Some locals and visitors agree.

“This wedding will create jobs—drivers, waiters, hotels, restaurants,” said Görge Meyer, a tourist from Berlin visiting the Architecture Biennale. “Why protest that?”

A City at a Crossroads

For Gillian Longworth McGuire, a travel writer who has lived in Venice for years, the wedding highlights a bigger identity crisis.

“Venice has always attracted the wealthy and famous. That’s nothing new,” she said. “But the question now is: are we still a real, living city—or just a beautiful backdrop for billionaire weddings and bachelorette parties?”

Whether or not Bezos hears the protests from his luxury yacht, his wedding has already sparked a far bigger conversation—about who Venice is really for, and whether there’s still room for the people who call it home.

Source: CNN – ‘We will block the canals’: Venice divided as young protesters target Bezos wedding

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Cape Canaveral, Fla. — Amazon officially stepped into the space-based internet arena on Monday, successfully launching its first full batch of broadband satellites as part of Project Kuiper — a direct challenge to Elon Musk’s dominant Starlink network.

A total of 27 satellites were carried into orbit aboard an Atlas V rocket from United Launch Alliance (ULA). Once positioned, these satellites will settle into a low Earth orbit nearly 400 miles (630 km) above the surface.

This mission follows Amazon’s initial satellite test launch in 2023, but the latest batch includes major upgrades — including special reflective coatings designed to reduce glare and minimize interference with astronomical observations, a growing concern among stargazers and scientists.

“No matter how the mission unfolds, this is just the start of our journey,” said Rajeev Badyal, VP of Project Kuiper. “There are some things you can only learn in flight.”

Amazon’s Big Ambition: Over 3,200 Satellites

Backed by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who also owns the space company Blue Origin, Project Kuiper aims to eventually launch more than 3,200 satellites to offer fast, affordable internet access worldwide, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

While this marks a significant step forward for Amazon, the company is entering a competitive space. SpaceX’s Starlink, which launched in 2019, has already deployed over 8,000 satellites, with more than 7,000 currently active and orbiting around 550 km (340 miles) above Earth.

Meanwhile, other players like Europe’s OneWeb have also entered the fray, placing hundreds of satellites into higher orbits.

A Growing Network and a Crowded Sky

Amazon has booked dozens of future launches with ULA, Blue Origin, and other providers to accelerate Kuiper’s rollout. But as these mega-constellations expand, so do the concerns: astronomers worry about interference with space observation, and experts warn of an increasing risk of satellite collisions in low Earth orbit.

Monday’s launch had originally been scheduled earlier this month but was postponed due to poor weather. The successful liftoff finally took place from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station once a new slot opened in the busy launch schedule.

With this launch, Amazon is no longer just a retail and cloud giant — it’s officially a player in the growing space internet industry, with eyes set firmly on the stars and an increasingly connected planet.

Source: AP News – Amazon launches its first internet satellites to compete against SpaceX’s Starlinks

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Layoffs Announced by CEO Dave Limp

CEO Dave Limp broke the news to employees on Thursday, with official layoff notifications sent out on Friday. In an email obtained by the Associated Press, Limp acknowledged that the decision was difficult but necessary.

“With our rapid growth over the past few years, bureaucracy increased, and focus decreased,” he wrote.

Why Blue Origin Is Cutting Jobs

According to Limp, the job cuts are aimed at streamlining operations and accelerating manufacturing and launch schedules. Despite recent milestones, the company is adjusting its workforce to remain efficient and competitive.

Blue Origin’s Operations:

• Headquarters: Kent, Washington
• Launch Sites: Florida (New Glenn) & Texas (New Shepard)

Competing with SpaceX & NASA Contracts

Blue Origin is in a high-stakes race with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, both competing for NASA contracts to land astronauts on the Moon in the coming years.

The layoffs come at a crucial time, as Blue Origin focuses on increasing its launch frequency and refining its space technology.

How Many Employees Are Affected?

The exact number of employees impacted by the layoffs remains unclear, as Blue Origin, a privately held company, does not disclose employment figures.

Final Thoughts

While Blue Origin celebrated a major success with New Glenn’s first orbital flight, the company is now making strategic adjustments to stay competitive in the evolving space industry. With its NASA contracts and future Moon missions, the focus is now on efficiency, innovation, and long-term growth.

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Blue Origin’s highly anticipated New Glenn rocket made a successful debut Thursday, reaching orbit during its first test flight. The massive 320-foot (98-meter) rocket, named after the first American to orbit Earth, John Glenn, launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The rocket sent a prototype satellite into orbit thousands of miles above Earth, marking a significant achievement for the company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos.

A Historic Launch

The New Glenn rocket lifted off from the same launch pad that was used for NASA’s Mariner and Pioneer missions more than 50 years ago, showcasing Blue Origin’s commitment to space exploration. The launch was the culmination of years of development and substantial investment from Bezos, with Blue Origin pouring over $1 billion into rebuilding the historic Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.

All seven engines of the New Glenn rocket ignited as it soared into the predawn sky, thrilling spectators along Florida’s beaches. The mission was a success, as the rocket reached orbit just 13 minutes after launch, earning praise even from SpaceX founder Elon Musk.

A Partial Success: Landing Failure

While the mission was a major milestone, the first-stage booster missed its landing on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean. However, Blue Origin emphasized that the primary goal—reaching orbit—was achieved. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp expressed his excitement on X (formerly Twitter), saying, “We did it! On to spring and trying again on the landing.”

The satellite on board remained inside the rocket’s second stage while it orbited Earth. In line with NASA’s practices to minimize space debris, the second stage was placed into a high orbit, where it will remain safely out of the way.

A Delayed Start and Big Plans Ahead

Originally scheduled for Monday, the test flight was delayed due to ice buildup in critical plumbing, which caused a brief setback. Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket is designed to carry not only satellites but also spacecraft and eventually astronauts to orbit and the moon.

This test flight represents a significant leap forward for Blue Origin, which has been launching paying passengers to the edge of space since 2021 using smaller rockets named after Alan Shepard, the first American in space. In contrast, the New Glenn rocket—named after John Glenn—is five times taller.

Bezos and Blue Origin’s Vision

Bezos, who founded Blue Origin 25 years ago, has long advocated for the expansion of space exploration. Despite the high cost and competition from other private companies like SpaceX, Bezos remains optimistic about the future of the space industry. He emphasized that there is “room for lots of winners” in the space race, stressing the importance of collaboration to reduce the cost of access to space.

Looking ahead, Blue Origin plans to conduct six to eight New Glenn flights this year, with the next launch expected in the spring.

Competing with SpaceX and Other Major Rockets

New Glenn’s successful flight comes amid the rise of other big rockets in recent years. SpaceX’s Starship, the largest rocket at approximately 400 feet (123 meters), is also poised to make waves in the space industry. Starship is slated to be used by NASA for the Artemis program, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon. Elon Musk’s company also recently demonstrated catching the returning booster with giant mechanical arms, an innovative approach to rocket reusability.

Additionally, United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket and Europe’s Ariane 6 are expected to make their mark in upcoming space missions. Blue Origin, meanwhile, is focused on further development of New Glenn, which was initially slated to send twin spacecraft to Mars for NASA. However, NASA delayed the mission and pulled the spacecraft, Escapade, from last October’s flight. The spacecraft, which will study Mars’ atmosphere and magnetic environment, will now launch no earlier than spring 2025.

Looking to the Moon and Beyond

Blue Origin’s ambitions extend beyond Earth orbit. The company’s Blue Moon lander is expected to play a significant role in NASA’s lunar missions, helping astronauts land on the Moon as part of the Artemis program. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has been a vocal advocate for competition in the space industry, promoting the idea of multiple companies developing lunar landers for the agency’s missions.

As the space race intensifies, Bezos and Blue Origin are making significant strides toward realizing their vision for space exploration. New Glenn’s successful launch is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting new chapter in the history of space travel.

Source

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Blue Origin, the space exploration company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, was forced to call off the maiden launch of its towering New Glenn rocket early Monday morning due to a last-minute technical issue.

Launch Details and Delay

The 320-foot (98-meter) New Glenn rocket, named after astronaut John Glenn, was set to lift off from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station before dawn, carrying a prototype satellite. However, during the final moments of the countdown, an unspecified technical problem arose, leaving controllers with insufficient time to resolve it. The countdown clock was halted, and the team began draining the rocket’s fuel.

Blue Origin did not immediately announce a new launch date, stating that more time is needed to address the issue.

Challenges Leading Up to the Attempt

This test flight had already faced delays due to rough seas, which posed risks to the company’s plan to recover the rocket’s first-stage booster. Blue Origin intended to land the booster on a floating platform in the Atlantic, a key step in its reusable rocket strategy.

About the New Glenn Rocket

The New Glenn rocket is a significant leap in Blue Origin’s ambitions:

• At 320 feet, it is five times taller than the company’s smaller New Shepard rocket, which carries paying passengers on suborbital spaceflights.
• It is designed to deliver large payloads to orbit, marking Blue Origin’s entry into the heavy-lift rocket market.

Jeff Bezos’ Presence and Optimism

Jeff Bezos, who founded Blue Origin 25 years ago, was actively involved in Monday’s countdown, observing operations from Mission Control at the company’s rocket factory near NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.

Despite the setback, Bezos struck an optimistic tone, saying Sunday evening:

“We’re going to pick ourselves up and keep going.”

The Road Ahead

This delay highlights the challenges of developing and launching a new rocket, particularly one as ambitious as the New Glenn. As Blue Origin works to resolve the technical issue, the company remains focused on its mission to expand access to space with cutting-edge technology and reusable systems.

Stay tuned for updates on New Glenn’s revised launch schedule as Blue Origin continues its pursuit of space exploration milestones.

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Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos’ space company, is preparing for the maiden flight of its New Glenn rocket, set to launch from a Florida launchpad that has remained dormant for nearly two decades. Standing at an impressive 320 feet (98 meters), this uncrewed rocket represents a significant step for Blue Origin, marking its first attempt to send a rocket into orbit—a crucial move if the company hopes to challenge SpaceX’s long-standing dominance in the space industry.

A New Era of Space Exploration

Scheduled to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station as early as next week, New Glenn’s first flight is a highly anticipated event. This massive rocket consists of a first-stage booster for initial thrust, with an upper stage housing a cargo bay protected by a nose cone. For this inaugural mission, the cargo bay will contain experimental technology designed to test the rocket’s capabilities.

Emulating SpaceX’s success with reusing rocket boosters, Blue Origin will also attempt to land New Glenn’s first-stage booster on a seafaring platform, named Jacklyn in honor of Bezos’ mother, minutes after liftoff.

The company aims to follow in SpaceX’s footsteps by recovering, refurbishing, and reusing rocket boosters to reduce costs. However, while Blue Origin hopes for success, a flawless flight is not guaranteed, as is typical for inaugural missions.

A Key Player for Blue Origin’s Vision

New Glenn’s successful debut is vital to Blue Origin’s ambitious future plans. The rocket could one day power national security launches, deploy Amazon’s Kuiper internet satellites, and assist in building a space station with commercial partners. Named after the legendary NASA astronaut John Glenn, this heavy-lift vehicle is designed to rival SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and even carry up to 45 metric tons (99,200 pounds) into orbit.

Delays and Slow Development

Blue Origin announced the development of New Glenn in 2016, initially aiming for its first launch by 2020. However, as is common in the aerospace industry, delays have pushed the launch back significantly. Despite this, Blue Origin has maintained its cautious, methodical approach, with Bezos famously stating, “Slow is smooth, and smooth is fast.” This philosophy, embodied by the company’s mascot, a tortoise, contrasts with SpaceX’s speedier, trial-and-error approach.

SpaceX’s Dominance and Blue Origin’s Strategy

While Blue Origin has taken a more deliberate path, SpaceX has been the dominant force in launching rockets to orbit. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, for instance, has launched hundreds of successful missions to space. Despite the occasional test failure, SpaceX’s reliability with operational missions has solidified its place at the forefront of the industry.

Blue Origin, in contrast, is better known for its space tourism efforts via its New Shepard rocket—a smaller, suborbital vehicle. While New Shepard has conducted more than 20 flights, it hasn’t been used for orbital missions. The company’s debut into the world of orbital launches with New Glenn could mark a turning point in its efforts to compete with SpaceX.

A Strong Start: New Glenn’s First Mission

For its first flight, Blue Origin had initially planned to launch Mars-bound satellites for NASA. However, delays have shifted that mission to later in the year. Instead, Blue Origin will test a technology demonstrator that will validate essential communications and tracking systems needed for future missions. This technology, part of Blue Origin’s Blue Ring spacecraft project, is aimed at supporting in-space ridesharing capabilities for satellite deployments.

New Glenn’s Position in the Market

New Glenn offers significant power, sitting between SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets in terms of lifting capacity. The rocket can carry up to 45 metric tons (99,200 pounds) to orbit—double the payload of Falcon 9. Despite this, New Glenn’s launch price is reportedly comparable to Falcon 9 at around $60 million to $70 million per launch. However, sustaining competitive pricing may be a challenge for Blue Origin in the long run.

One of New Glenn’s standout features is its large payload fairing—a 23-foot (7-meter) wide nose cone, nearly 6 feet (2 meters) larger than SpaceX’s Falcon 9. This enormous size allows Blue Origin to accommodate larger payloads, aligning with Bezos’ vision of removing heavy industries from Earth and building a sustainable future in space.

Competing with SpaceX’s Starship

Despite New Glenn’s power, Blue Origin faces formidable competition from SpaceX’s upcoming Starship. At nearly 400 feet (121 meters) tall, Starship is set to become the largest and most powerful rocket ever constructed, with the potential to carry up to 300 tons to orbit. SpaceX’s aggressive development of Starship may eventually lower the cost per kilogram to space, presenting a major challenge for Blue Origin.

The Reusability Factor

Similar to SpaceX, Blue Origin aims to revolutionize spaceflight by reusing its rocket boosters. Reusability has been integral to reducing the cost of launches, and Blue Origin has embraced this goal since its inception. While Blue Origin’s efforts have taken longer to materialize, the company’s commitment to reusable rockets has been steadfast.

If successful, New Glenn’s booster recovery would be a remarkable achievement. After expending most of its fuel, the first-stage booster will need to separate cleanly, maneuver with pinpoint precision, and ignite its engines to land safely on the Jacklyn platform.

Looking Ahead

As Blue Origin looks toward its first orbital launch, the company is positioning itself as a long-term player in the aerospace industry. While its path has been slower than SpaceX’s, its dedication to innovation and reusability could make it a serious competitor in the years to come. The success of New Glenn will be crucial not only for Blue Origin’s future but also for the broader space industry as it enters a new era of competition, exploration, and commercialization.

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