Europe Trains First Disability Astronauts To Fly To Space

Parastronot John McFall (photo: dock. ESA)

JAKARTA For the first time, the European Space Agency (ESA) is training disabled astronauts to fly on a parabolic plane. Through this training, astronauts must get used to flying while in space.

Astronauts conducting training on this medical clearance are John McFall, a member of the ESA astronaut corps reserve. McFall needs to be trained because he will carry out important missions with several other astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS).

Not only did McFall get a medical clearance, McFall has also been certified by the multinational medical council for a long-term mission. This certification is very important because McFall has lost his right leg and is wearing a prosthesis for his activities.

"(McFall) is certified as an astronaut who can fly on long-term missions on the International Space Station and I think this is an extraordinary step forward," said ESA's Director of Human and Robot Exploration, Danie Neurowander.

McFall was first selected as an astronaut after participating in the parastronaut selection process, a designation for astronauts with physical disabilities, in 2022. After being selected, McFall joined the feasibility study known as Fly.

In the feasibility study, astronauts who have physical problems are observed to know the obstacles in carrying out missions on the ISS. These observations were made in terms of health and safety to ensure that operations on the ISS can run smoothly.

"Don't underestimate all elements associated with safety procedures when you operate on the ISS," Neuenschwander said. "I personally expect some obstacles there and I'm excited to see that we made it through and it's over."