British Paralympian John McFall could become first astronaut with physical disability to live in orbit

02 June 2026 , 09:08

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A British Paralympian and surgeon may become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit following a government agreement with a US company constructing a small commercial space station.

John McFall, who is part of the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut reserve, received clearance for orbital activities last year and may participate in a mission to the Haven-1 space station shortly after its intended launch in 2027.

Vast, a startup based in California, is in the later stages of developing Haven-1, which is slightly smaller than a single-decker bus. The station can accommodate up to four astronauts and includes a maplewood veneer interior, a domed window for viewing Earth, and a laboratory for microgravity research.

"It’s an exciting opportunity," McFall expressed from Esa’s European astronaut center in Germany. The two-week mission will explore the space environment’s impact on his body and on modern prosthetic limbs, which often depend on sensors and microprocessors to work effectively.

McFall’s research could provide broader benefits for disabled individuals by inspiring the design of lighter and more adaptable prosthetics. It may also enhance understanding of conditions like osteoporosis and muscle wastage, leading to improved rehabilitation programs for amputees.

Beyond the scientific objectives, McFall stated that the mission would challenge preconceived notions about jobs people with disabilities can perform. "We’re saying it’s OK for people with disabilities to be astronauts," he remarked. "We’ve demonstrated that it’s possible, that we’re open-minded enough to offer people the opportunities to do this and acknowledge that they are equally capable."

Haven-1 space station with Crew Dragon capsule docked. qhiukiuiqkzinv

A memorandum of understanding will involve the UK Space Agency aiding Vast in securing sponsorships to fund McFall’s flight. He and other astronauts would travel to Haven-1 aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket. Another option for McFall is a private mission with Vast to the International Space Station (ISS) next year.

At 45, McFall hails from Hampshire and lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19. After his discharge from the hospital, he engaged in sports, earning a bronze medal in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics. He subsequently qualified as an NHS orthopaedic surgeon. In 2022, he was chosen for Esa’s Fly! project, which examines the potential for astronauts with physical disabilities to participate in long-duration missions to the ISS.

"On a personal level, it’s about the challenge, the adventure, the intrigue," McFall said. "It’s satisfying my curiosity for knowledge and science. And there’s also the absurdity of it: the notion that humans could inhabit space. Being part of that history is remarkable.

"I want to be a good astronaut. I intend to perform my job well. That’s my main focus. I don’t wish for it to be merely a public relations effort or a temporary trend. I am thrilled to be a pioneer and do something innovative, yet primarily, I aim to execute a valuable job for both space exploration and wider society on Earth."

If McFall’s flight proceeds, he would become the first Briton in space since 2015-16, when Tim Peake spent six months on the ISS as part of Esa’s Principia mission. "John McFall is an inspiration, not only to the space community but to anyone who has been told there are limits to what they can achieve," Peake stated. "This agreement represents a milestone for inclusive human spaceflight."