British Paralympian John McFall Becomes First Person with Disability Cleared for Space Mission

The European Space Agency certifies McFall for a long-duration mission to the ISS, marking a historic step in expanding accessibility in space exploration.

John McFall, a 43-year-old British Paralympian and surgeon, has been medically cleared for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS).
The European Space Agency (ESA) conducted an extensive two-year feasibility study to assess the challenges and safety of sending an astronaut with a prosthetic limb to space.
McFall, who lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at 19, views this achievement as a cultural shift, emphasizing the importance of assuming capability for individuals with disabilities.
ESA's certification makes McFall the first astronaut with a physical disability eligible for an ISS mission, though he has not yet been assigned to a specific flight.
This milestone comes as diversity and inclusion efforts face challenges globally, with ESA reaffirming its commitment to broadening access to space exploration.