Jasour – News Desk
The European Space Agency (ESA) announced that a British astronaut has become the first person with a physical disability to participate in a mission on the International Space Station.
In a press conference, the agency stated that John McFall, a former Paralympic runner from Cardiff, received a medical certification to undertake a long-term space mission.
McFall, 43, described obtaining the certification as a fantastic achievement. In a press statement, he said, “The announcement is not just about getting a medical certification for long-term missions… it is much more than that,” referring to what he described as a cultural shift in how people with disabilities are treated.
He added, “I believe it should give people faith that things can change, and with the right support and work, it is possible to change mindsets… and while this is happening in the space industry, it means it can happen in many other sectors.”
In 2022, the ESA began an experiment to explore the challenges of sending a disabled astronaut to the International Space Station, and McFall, a father of three, was selected as a “reserve” astronaut for the ESA program.
McFall’s right leg was amputated below the knee following a motorcycle accident when he was 19 years old. Sports play a significant role in his life as he is a former Paralympic medal-winning runner.
