British Paralympian is first person with physical disability cleared for space mission
Guardian7 days ago
World's First Disabled Astronaut Cleared for Space Mission
Above: John McFall. Image copyright: Michael Evers/Contributor/picture alliance via Getty Images
The Facts
John McFall, a 43-year-old British surgeon and Paralympic bronze medalist, has become the first person with a physical disability to receive medical clearance for a mission to the International Space Station following the European Space Agency's comprehensive feasibility study.
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA's director of human and robotic exploration, told Sky News: "John is part of the pool of astronauts who are eligible to fly to the International Space Station despite political considerations from any of our international partners."
McFall — who lost his right leg above the knee in a motorcycle accident at age 19 — was selected for ESA's astronaut reserve in 2022. He has now received the highest-level medical certification for a long-duration mission that could last up to six months.
The Spin
Narrative A
Recruiting psychologically, cognitively, and technically qualified and healthy individuals with sight, sound, and mobility disabilities to go into space sets a new precedent for a community devoid of their right to explore space due to logistical constraints and fractured mindsets. Disabled individuals can make excellent astronauts if spacecraft and space travel are designed with all types of bodies in mind. The latest development challenges deep-rooted ableism — the perception that space exploration is the prerogative of physically strong candidates.
Narrative B
With a zero-G environment, space can be extremely hostile. Including astronauts with a lower limb deficiency or negligible experience as test pilots to explore space may ensure diversity, but it doesn't guarantee safety during an emergency. It's essential to ensure that technology meets skills. From altered space suits to modified prosthetics and redesigning the crew capsule seats, ESA may reconsider investing billions in making significant engineering challenges to make space exploration worthwhile for astronauts with certain physical considerations.