British Paralympian could be first astronaut with physical disability to live in orbit

John McFall won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and is now an orthopaedic surgeon. His research in orbit will focus on how the space environment affects his body, and prosthetic limbs. Photograph: ESA View image in fullscreen John McFall won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and is now an orthopaedic surgeon. His research in orbit will focus on how the space environment affects his body, and prosthetic limbs. Photograph: ESA British Paralympian could be first astronaut with physical disability to live in orbit John McFall prepares for mission to Haven-1 space station after UK Space Agency signs deal with US startup Vast A British Paralympian and surgeon could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit after the government signed a deal with a US company that is building a small commercial space station. John McFall, a member of the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut reserve, was cleared for activities in orbit last year and could take part in a mission to the Haven-1 space station soon after its proposed launch in 2027. Vast, a California startup , is in the advanced stages of constructing Haven-1, which is a little smaller than a single-decker bus. The station will house up to four astronauts and features a maplewood veneer interior, a domed window for observing Earth, and a laboratory for microgravity research. “It’s an exciting opportunity,” McFall said from Esa’s European astronaut centre in Germany. The two-week mission will focus on how the space environment affects his body and also its effects on modern prosthetic limbs, which often rely on sensors and microprocessors to function properly. McFall’s research could bring benefits for disabled people more widely by driving designs for lighter and more adaptable prosthetics. It could also further understanding of conditions such as osteoporosis and muscle wastage, and pave the way for better rehabilitation programmes for amputees. Beyond the scientific goals, McFall said the mission would challenge preconceptions about the jobs people with disabilities could do. “We’re saying it’s OK for people with disabilities to be astronauts,” he said. “We’ve demonstrated that it’s possible, that we’re open-minded enough to give people the opportunities to do this and recognise that they are equally capable.” View image in fullscreen An illustration from Vast depicts the Haven-1 space station with a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule docked. Illustration: https://www.vastspace.com/ A memorandum of understanding will involve the UK Space Agency supporting Vast to secure sponsorships to fund McFall’s flight. He and other astronauts would travel to Haven-1 in SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket. Another option for McFall is a private mission with Vast to the International Space Station (ISS) next year. McFall, 45, from Hampshire, lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19. After leaving hospital, he threw himself into sport and w