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The world’s first astronaut with a disability, former UK Paralympian John McFall, has arrived in Germany to begin training at the European Astronaut Centre and hopes that his story will inspire others.
John, a former NHS surgeon from Hampshire, joined the European Space Agency last year after a rigorous selection process and record UK Space Agency investment. He will spend the next two years working with experts to identify ways of making the traditional equipment and facilities used by astronauts more accessible, so a wider range of people can qualify for space flight.
As part of the Feasibility Study, he will undergo elements of astronaut training, including sea survival and tests in low atmosphere environments. This will help ESA assess the impact that being an amputee and wearing a prosthesis will have on the requirements for living and working in space.
Speaking about this new chapter in his life, John McFall said: “I’m a naturally curious person and I’m excited about the learning ahead, the science that will come out of it and the fact that this is the small first step of a much bigger journey. While the feasibility study is bespoke to my own disability, this programme delivers a powerful message, which I hope will broaden people’s appreciation for what people with disabilities can do, as well as inspire people with a range of disabilities about the opportunities available to them.”
John was selected alongside Career Astronaut Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian, who became a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve in 2022. They are among the first astronauts to be unveiled by ESA since 2009.
The announcement that John would be the first astronaut with a physical disability was made during the ESA Council of Ministers last November. The UK Government committed £1.84 billion during the meeting which included £127 million towards the global exploration programme, supporting robotic missions to Mars and contributing to the Artemis Moon programme.
Speaking about the news, Science and Technology Secretary for the UK Government, Chloe Smith, said: “John was inspirational as a British Paralympian and I wish him all the success on his journey as he becomes the world’s first Paralympic astronaut, showing there is space for everyone in the industry.”
Prior to becoming a surgeon, John had a motorbike accident which resulted in having an above knee amputation and turned to sports to help his recovery. He went on to compete at the highest level in Paralympic sports and following wins at three different games, returned to university and became a surgeon.
