British former Paralympian John McFall, 45, is being considered for a potential mission that could make him the first person with a physical disability to live and work in space. Multiple outlets report that the UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with Vast, a US commercial space company, as part of plans involving the Haven-1 space station. McFall, an ESA astronaut reserve and a former Paralympic athlete, is described as having been cleared for spaceflight activities in orbit last year. Coverage also states that his participation would depend on mission timelines and the proposed availability of Haven-1. The suggested launch period varies by outlet, with some reporting a possible departure as soon as next year, while others cite a proposed launch in 2027. Phys.org highlights that the mission would involve significant medical and physiological challenges tied to his amputation, but the overall reporting agrees that the key development is the UK-US deal and McFall’s readiness status. If the mission proceeds, he would travel to and operate from the Haven-1 station.
UK Paralympian John McFall could become first disabled astronaut to live in orbit
British former Paralympian John McFall, 45, is being considered for a potential mission that could make him the first person with a physical disability to live and work in space. Multiple outlets repo...
- John McFall, a British former Paralympian, is being considered for a mission to orbit.
- The UK Space Agency has an agreement with Vast, a US commercial space company, linked to the Haven-1 space station.
- McFall is an ESA astronaut reserve and was cleared for activities in orbit last year.
- If selected and launched, he would be the first person with a physical disability to live and work in space.
- Timelines reported for Haven-1 and any launch attempt range from next year to a proposed 2027 launch.
The UK Space Agency has announced an agreement with Vast—a US commercial space company—that could send British astronaut John McFall into orbit as early as 2027. If the mission goes ahead, he would become the first person with a physical disability to live and work in space.
5 hours agoEuropean Space Agency astronaut John McFall could be headed to the private Haven-1 space station as soon as 2027.
6 days agoJohn McFall, 45, could be sent to the Haven-1 space station as part of an agreement between the UK Space Agency and Vast, an American space firm.
1 week agoJohn McFall, 45, could be sent to the Haven-1 space station as part of an agreement between the UK Space Agency and Vast, an American space firm.
1 week agoJohn McFall takes one step closer to becoming first disabled astronaut.
1 week agoJohn McFall prepares for mission to Haven-1 space station after UK Space Agency signs deal with US startup VastA British Paralympian and surgeon could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit after the government signed a deal with a US company that is building a small commercial space station.John McFall, a member of the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut reserve, was cleared for activities in orbit last year and could take part in a mission to the Haven-1 space station soon after its proposed launch in 2027. Continue reading...
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