Paraplegic engineer becomes the first wheelchair user to blast into space
Summary
Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer from Germany, became the first wheelchair user to travel to space onboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, highlighting accessibility in spaceflight.
Key Points
- Michaela Benthaus became the first wheelchair user to fly in space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket.
- Blue Origin modified its capsule minimally to accommodate Benthaus, emphasizing design with accessibility in mind.
- Benthaus aims to promote space accessibility for disabled individuals and broader accessibility improvements on Earth.
- The flight was a private mission supported by retired SpaceX executive Hans Koenigsmann and Blue Origin, increasing space tourists aboard Blue Origin to 86.
