First Wheelchair User Launches into Space with Blue Origin

Michaela Benthaus has made history as the first wheelchair user to reach the edge of space. She joined five other passengers aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft during a flight that launched from Texas on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for accessibility in space exploration.

This groundbreaking achievement not only highlights advancements in space travel but also emphasizes the potential for inclusivity in an industry that has traditionally been exclusive. Benthaus’s journey serves as an inspiration, proving that barriers can be overcome and dreams can be realized, irrespective of physical limitations.

Key Developments

Michaela Benthaus, 33, experienced weightlessness for the first time during the flight.
She was severely injured in a mountain biking accident seven years ago, resulting in spinal cord damage.
The flight lasted 10 minutes, reaching more than 65 miles above Earth to the Karman line.
Last Saturday’s flight marked Blue Origin’s 37th commercial space journey.
The trip was co-sponsored by Hans Koenigsmann, a retired SpaceX executive.

Full Report

A History-Making Journey

During the flight, Benthaus expressed her excitement, stating, “It was the coolest experience.” She emphasized the importance of pursuing dreams, regardless of the challenges that may arise. Having never considered space travel a viable option for herself, she explained the competitive nature of the field, particularly for individuals with disabilities.

Preparation and Support

With help from both Koenigsmann and Blue Origin, minor adjustments were made to accommodate Benthaus for the flight. A patient transfer board was utilized, allowing her to move safely between the spacecraft’s hatch and her seat. Jake Mills, an engineer with Blue Origin, noted that the New Shepard capsule is designed to be accessible for a more diverse range of passengers than traditional space vehicles.

The Impact of Accessibility in Space

Benthaus’s journey represents a shift towards more inclusive practices in the aerospace industry, challenging stereotypes and paving the way for future space tourists with disabilities.

Context & Previous Events

Benthaus, originally from Germany, had previously participated in the European Space Agency’s trainee program and experienced weightlessness during a parabolic flight in 2022. She also took part in a simulated space mission in Poland less than two years before her historic flight.