The European Space Agency is exploring whether it would be possible for an astronaut with a physical disability to embark on a mission to the International Space Station (ISS) with the ‘Fly!’ Feasibility study.
Launched in November 2022 at the Ministerial Council in Paris, this unique study seeks to investigate for the first time how an astronaut with a physical disability can become a fully integrated crew member on the Space Station. The study is exploring several aspects of this process, focusing on five main domains: medical, training, crew support, spacecraft operations, and ISS operations.
John McFall inside a mockup of Europe’s Columbus laboratory for the International Space Station. Credits: ESA–P. Sebirot
At the heart of Fly! is John McFall, a former Paralympic athlete and orthopaedic surgeon from the UK who became aleg amputee at age 19 following a motorcycle accident. John was selected to join ESA’s astronaut reserve and became a key figure in Fly! His unique perspective and expertise are invaluable as a subject matter expert in the study.
Since June 2023, John has been involved in familiarisation classes and activities linked to astronaut training at the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) and beyond. His involvement has been instrumental in understanding how an astronaut with a physical disability like John would respond to some of the key challenges posed by astronaut training and spaceflight.
John McFall sets up a shelter during winter survival training in the Spanish Pyrenees. Credits: ESA/Trailhaven
This hands-on experience is crucial for Fly!, allowing the team to identify potential barriers and develop solutions tomake human spaceflight more inclusive.
The study will conclude in late 2024, marking a significant milestone in the journey towards inclusivity in space exploration.
To this day, Fly! has not identified any showstoppers which would prevent an astronaut with a disability like John’s from joining a long duration mission to the International Space Station, which typically lasts six months.
ESA astronaut class of 2022 during sea survival. John McFall is on the left of the image. Credits: ESA-M. Cowan
While the findings from the study do not guarantee a flight opportunity for John himself, they demonstrate that it would be technically feasible for an astronaut with a physical disability to travel to space.
These efforts are bound to spark important conversations about the involvement of individuals with disabilities in the space sector in the years to come.
ESA astronauts touring NASA’s Johnson Space Center as part of their training. Credits: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas
With the support of ESA’s Member States and international partners, Fly! is unlocking the future of accessible space exploration.
Stay tuned for more updates as ESA continues to push the boundaries of what is possible, ensuring that space exploration is a shared human endeavour accessible to all.
John McFall meets Shaun the Sheep during the UK Space Conference in 2023. Credits: ESA