Ex-Paralympian John McFall tests spaceflight feasibility for disabled, aims to go on a space mission

Image: John McFall inside a mockup of Europe’s Columbus laboratory for the International Space Station. (Credits: ESA–P.Sebirot/https://blogs.esa.int/)

John McFall, a former Paralympic athlete, recently carried the Paralympic flag at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony. McFall, who won a bronze medal in the 100 meters at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, now has a new mission: space. McFall is now working with the European Space Agency (ESA) to see if people with physical disabilities can become astronauts.

McFall’s new mission

McFall was selected as a reserve astronaut by the ESA in 2022. He is involved in the "Fly!" feasibility study, which aims to explore if astronauts with physical disabilities can go to space. This groundbreaking study is part of ESA’s effort to make space exploration accessible to everyone, regardless of physical limitations. As reported by International Paralympic Committee, official website of the Paralympic Movement, McFall told they are checking if he can meet all the safety and emergency requirements needed for space travel.

McFall, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident at 19, is using his experience as a trauma and orthopedic surgeon to help with this study. Since June 2023, he has been training at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) to understand how his prosthesis might affect spaceflight.

McFall believes that if he can make it to space, it will send a powerful message about what people with disabilities can achieve. He thinks it’s important for everyone to see that space is a possibility for all, not just those without disabilities.

"We are looking at whether it's feasible for someone with a physical disability to go to space and be a professional astronaut. Can I meet all the emergency and safety requirements? Understanding if it's possible. Elite athletes are tangentially amazing - you appreciate how difficult it is to get there. With the history of human space exploration, there's an understanding of how difficult it is to get to space. If I get the opportunity to go to space, it will send an incredibly powerful message to humanity about what we are about. That, for me, is very important," McFall was quoted as saying.

The goal

The "Fly!" study, which will conclude at the end of 2024, examines if an astronaut with a prosthetic leg can meet the safety and emergency requirements of space missions. The aim is to show that space travel can be achieved by anyone, not just those without physical disabilities.

McFall's work includes testing and evaluations to ensure that space missions can accommodate astronauts with disabilities. While he has not yet been selected for a spaceflight, McFall continues his dual career as a surgeon and astronaut-in-training, waiting for a future opportunity.

John McFall’s journey from Paralympic champion to potential astronaut highlights the advancing inclusivity in space exploration, offering hope that space is within reach for everyone.