UK astronaut John McFall could soon be the world’s first ever disabled astronaut to embark on a long duration space mission.
A former Paralympic sprinter and NHS surgeon who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident, McFall has become a symbol of resilience and possibility.
In November 2022, John was chosen to join the ESA astronaut reserve and participate in the agency’s “Fly!” feasibility study.
In 2024, he made history as the first person with a physical disability to receive medical clearance for long-duration missions aboard the International Space Station.
John, who works out of the European Astronaut Centre in Germany, has come to the UK to study how his disability could affect training for a Private Pilot Licence.
The assessment is being conducted with the charity Aerobility at Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire, as part of Fly! Phase 2: Mission Ready.
“There’s huge crossover between flying light aircraft and working as an astronaut – the judgement calls, task prioritisation, hand-eye coordination and communication skills are all essential for both. By demonstrating that someone with a physical disability can learn to fly, we’re showing these essential astronaut skills are absolutely achievable.”
John McFall
John will write history when he becomes the first astronaut with a disability to fly on a long duration mission on the International Space Station.
Learn more at https://space.blog.gov.uk/2025/09/02/first-astronaut-with-a-disability-learns-to-fly/
Thumbnail credit: ESA
