In a groundbreaking achievement for space accessibility, German engineer Michaela Benthaus has become the first wheelchair user to journey beyond Earth’s atmosphere. The historic milestone occurred aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft on Saturday, marking a significant step toward inclusive space exploration.
Seven years after a mountain biking accident resulted in a spinal cord injury, Benthaus—an employee at the European Space Agency—refused to abandon her astronaut dreams. She initiated contact with retired SpaceX manager Hans Koenigsmann through digital channels, posing a fundamental question: Could someone with her physical circumstances still venture into space?
This inquiry sparked an extraordinary collaboration that culminated in a meticulously planned 10-minute suborbital flight. The mission launched from Blue Origin’s Texas facility at 14:15 GMT, carrying Benthaus and five fellow passengers beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Blue Origin implemented specialized ground support equipment to facilitate Benthaus’ autonomous transition from her wheelchair to the capsule via an extended bench mechanism. Koenigsmann occupied adjacent seating throughout the journey, prepared to provide assistance if necessary though his intervention proved unrequired.
‘It was the coolest experience!’ Benthaus exclaimed following the successful landing. ‘I didn’t only appreciate the breathtaking view and weightlessness, but also the ascent itself—every stage proved incredibly thrilling.’
The mission represents Blue Origin’s 16th suborbital tourism launch, though the financial arrangements remain undisclosed. Phil Joyce, senior vice-president of New Shepard, emphasized the flight’s symbolic importance: ‘Michi’s journey carries profound significance, demonstrating that space accessibility should encompass everyone. We take immense pride in facilitating her dream.’
This landmark flight occurs amid intensifying competition among private aerospace firms striving for dominance in the emerging space tourism sector. Benthaus’ accomplishment establishes a new precedent for inclusivity beyond Earth’s atmosphere, challenging conventional perceptions of astronaut qualifications and expanding possibilities for disabled individuals in space exploration.