2024-07-19 21:20:00
Former British Paralympic champion John McFall, selected by the European Space Agency to train to become the first disabled astronaut to go into space, could stay safely on the International Space Station (ISS), the ‘ ESA.
In 2022 the ESA selected John McFall, a doctor and former Paralympic sprint champion who had his right leg amputated, to join its training program (archive).
European Space Agency
“At this point, we have not identified any technical obstacle for John McFall to carry out a long-term mission (six months) on board the ISS, as a full member of the crew,” announced Jérôme Reineix, in charge of a feasibility study whose conclusions were published Friday.
In 2022 ESA selected John McFall, a doctor and former Paralympic sprint champion with a right leg amputee, to join its training program as part of this study, something no other space agency has done yet. With the goal of being the first “parafun” in history.
So the 43-year-old orthopedic surgeon participated in basic training for astronauts, especially survival in extreme conditions, as well as specific training for astronauts assigned to a mission in orbit.
“I showed that I could meet the requirements,” summed up John McFall during a press conference. “This does not guarantee me the opportunity to fly, but we have proven that it would be technically possible for someone with the same disability as me,” he said.
The astronaut tested his ability to evacuate the spacecraft leading to the ISS in an emergency. “I had to wear my prostheses during the launch, inside my space suit,” he detailed.
On graduation
During parabolic flights, which create weightless situations for a few seconds, he was able to ensure that he could participate in mission emergency procedures in orbit, as well as daily activities on board the ISS: “Moving around, stabilizing myself with my prosthesis… it was a great success,” rejoiced John McFall.
Important point: he will be able to use the station’s physical exercise machines (treadmills, exercise bikes, etc.) without problem, necessary to protect the body from the effects of microgravity.
The study only takes into account the particular disability of the former athlete, who was amputated at the age of 19 after a motorcycle accident. “We are going step by step. We wanted to focus on the possibility first with John McFall before expanding to other disabilities,” explained Jérôme Reineix.
ATS
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