British Paralympian may be first disabled astronaut to live in orbit
A British Paralympian and surgeon could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit, according to a government deal with a US company building a small commercial space station. John McFall, a member of the European Space Agency astronaut reserve, was cleared for orbital activities last year and may take part in a mission to the Haven-1 space station after its planned launch in 2027. The two-week mission would examine how the space environment affects his body and modern prosthetic limbs, which often rely on sensors and microprocessors. The UK Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding to help Vast, the California startup constructing Haven-1, secure sponsorships for McFall’s flight. McFall said the mission would challenge preconceptions about jobs people with disabilities can perform and that he wants to be a good astronaut rather than a publicity stunt. If the flight occurs, McFall would be the first Briton in space since Tim Peake’s 2015‑16 mission on the International Space Station.
What’s reported
John McFall is a British Paralympian, surgeon, and European Space Agency astronaut reserve member.
He was cleared for activities in orbit last year.
He could take part in a mission to Haven-1 after its proposed launch in 2027.
Haven-1 is built by Vast, a California startup; it is smaller than a single-decker bus and houses up to four astronauts.
The station includes a maplewood veneer interior, a domed window for Earth observation, and a microgravity laboratory.
The two-week mission will study space effects on McFall’s body and on modern prosthetic limbs.
Research could benefit designs for lighter prosthetics, understanding of osteoporosis and muscle wastage, and rehabilitation for amputees.
A memorandum of understanding will involve the UK Space Agency supporting Vast to secure sponsorships for McFall’s flight.
Travel would be via SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket.
Another option is a private mission with Vast to the International Space Station next year.
McFall lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19.
He won bronze in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and later qualified as an NHS orthopaedic surgeon.
In 2022, he was selected for Esa’s Fly! project, which explores long-duration missions for astronauts with physical disabilities.
Tim Peake called the agreement “a landmark moment for inclusive human spaceflight.”
Key figures
John McFall: British Paralympian, surgeon, European Space Agency astronaut reserve member
Tim Peake: former astronaut, quoted in article
Sources: The Guardian
