British Paralympian could be first astronaut with physical disability to live in orbit
Summary
John McFall, a British Paralympian and surgeon, may become the first person with a physical disability to live in space. He could join a mission to the Haven-1 commercial space station, planned for launch in 2027, to study how space affects his body and prosthetic limbs.Key Facts
- John McFall lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19.
- He won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and later became an orthopedic surgeon.
- McFall was selected for the European Space Agency’s (ESA) astronaut reserve and cleared for space activities last year.
- The Haven-1 station, built by California startup Vast, will hold up to four astronauts and launch around 2027.
- McFall’s mission will study the effects of microgravity on his body and prosthetics, aiming to improve designs for disabled people.
- The UK Space Agency is helping Vast find sponsors to fund McFall’s flight.
- The mission will use a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule launched on a Falcon 9 rocket.
- If successful, McFall will be the first Briton in space since Tim Peake’s mission in 2015-16.
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