For the first time in history, an astronaut with a physical disability has been approved for a future mission to the International Space Station.
The European Space Agency announced on Friday that British surgeon and former Paralympic sprinter John McFall has been medically cleared for long-duration space travel. McFall, who lost his leg in an accident at 19, called the news a proud moment.
McFall hopes his journey will change how people view individuals with disabilities. “This is way bigger than me – this is a cultural shift,” he said during an online press conference. Since his selection as an ESA astronaut in 2022, experts have been studying how someone with a prosthetic leg could work in space.
Though no launch date has been set, the next steps will focus on overcoming any challenges McFall may face in space. ESA officials say he is now like any other astronaut waiting for a mission assignment.
