The European Space Agency on Wednesday named the first “parastronaut,” in what is seen as an important step towards enabling people with physical disabilities to work and live in space.
The agency, which includes 22 countries, said it had selected doctor and former British Paralympic sprinter John McFall as part of a new generation of 17 recruits chosen for astronaut training, Reuters continues.
“It was an amazing experience considering that as an amputee I never thought becoming an astronaut was a possibility, so it was a huge emotion”said McFall in an interview on the ESA website.
John joins five new career astronauts and 11 astronauts have also been chosen for the so-called reserve who, despite not having an employment contract with the ESA, can be called up for specific space missions, for which reason they retain an annual medical certificate and benefit of training on the agency’s programs.
The disability equality charity Scope described his selection as “a quantum leap”.
“Better representation of people with disabilities in influential roles will really help to improve attitudes and break down the barriers many people with disabilities face today”said the charity’s press officer, Alison Kerry.
Following a motorcycle accident that led to the amputation of his right leg at the age of 19, McFall won a bronze medal in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
“Originally I always wanted to join the army and that was all in my life,” McFall said in a video interview released by the ESA. “I started traveling in my late teens and unfortunately had a motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of my right leg.”
Nevertheless, he went on to study sports and exercise science in Wales, seeing himself as someone who “happened to be an amputee”. He also started running competitively after getting a prosthetic leg.
Married with three children, McFall’s hobbies include playing the guitar, odd jobs and traveling. “In early 2021, when the advertisement for an astronaut with a physical disability came out, I read the requirements and what that entailed. And I thought, wow, this is an exciting opportunity,” said McFall.
“I thought he would be a very good candidate to help the ESA answer the question they asked, ‘Can we get someone with a physical disability into space?’ and I felt compelled to apply.” McFall said he was “incredibly proud and excited” to be selected.
The 41-year-old doctor will help ESA engineers design hardware changes needed to open up professional aerospace to a wider pool of candidates, the agency said.
“I think the message I would like to give to future generations is that science is for everyone and space travel can be for everyone,” McFall said, quoted by Reuters.
Source: DN
