John McFall Achieves Historic Milestone: First Physically Disabled Astronaut Medically Certified for ISS Mission

European Space Agency (ESA) reserve astronaut John McFall has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first person with a physical disability to be medically certified for a long-duration mission to the International Space Station (ISS). McFall, a surgeon and former Paralympian, participated in the ESA's Fly! Feasibility study, which demonstrated the technical viability of flying individuals with disabilities in space.

The UK Space Agency and ESA are now supporting McFall in the Fly! Mission Ready phase, which includes scientific research planning, prosthetic qualification, and final medical certification. McFall lost his leg at 19 but has since excelled, earning a Paralympics medal and a master's degree in biomechanics. He was selected as a reserve astronaut in 2022 after a call for para-astronaut candidates.

Liz Johns of the UK Space Agency praised McFall's achievement, noting its significance for enabling individuals with physical disabilities to live and work on the ISS. The Mission Ready phase aims to secure hardware certification and medical clearance for McFall, potentially leading to a mission before the ISS is decommissioned after 2030. While no mission assignment or timeline is set, this certification marks a significant step in inclusive space exploration.