Milestone in Space Travel: Engineer First Wheelchair User to Reach Space

Sun Dec 21 2025 20:04:55 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Michaela Benthaus makes history as the first wheelchair user to go to space, demonstrating that the cosmos can be accessible to everyone. Her journey, organized with the help of a retired space engineer, highlights the ongoing evolution toward inclusivity in space exploration.

In a remarkable achievement, German engineer Michaela Benthaus has become the first wheelchair user to journey into space. After a spinal cord injury, she pursued her dream of space travel and collaborated with retired engineer Hans Koenigsmann to realize it. The flight occurred on a Blue Origin launch, marking her triumph and drawing attention to accessibility issues in space travel. Benthaus emphasized her experience and the technology that facilitated her journey, making a point about inclusivity in the aerospace sector.

In an inspiring breakthrough for inclusivity in space exploration, German engineer Michaela Benthaus has made history as the first wheelchair user to travel to space. Benthaus, who sustained a spinal cord injury in a mountain biking accident seven years ago, expressed her long-held dream of becoming an astronaut and reached out to retired SpaceX engineer Hans Koenigsmann for guidance.

Thanks to Koenigsmann's assistance, Benthaus embarked on this historic journey through a ten-minute flight organized by Blue Origin, the space tourism company founded by Jeff Bezos. On Saturday, she and a crew of five launched from Texas, reaching just above the Kármán line, the boundary of space.

After the flight, which offered a stunning view of Earth and microgravity, Benthaus exclaimed, It was the coolest experience! She appreciated not just the breathtaking vistas but the thrill of the ascent and the entire process of launch.

New Shepard, Blue Origin's reusable suborbital launch vehicle, took off from its Texas launch pad at precisely 14:15 GMT. Sharing her experience, Benthaus recognized the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities: I really figured out how inaccessible our world still is for people with disabilities, she stated.

Using a bench that extended from the hatch, she independently transferred from her wheelchair into the capsule. Koenigsmann was nearby during the flight to provide assistance if necessary, facilitating a safe and successful experience for Benthaus.

I met Hans online, simply asking if there was a place for people like me as astronauts, she reflected. Koenigsmann noted that her determination inspired him to take action and support her mission.

Blue Origin ensured that additional ground support equipment was provided for Benthaus's entry and exit from the capsule. Phil Joyce, Blue Origin's senior vice-president, mentioned, Michi's flight is particularly meaningful, demonstrating that space is for everyone. We are proud to help her achieve this dream. The costs of this mission have not been disclosed, but it marks the 16th suborbital space tourism launch undertaken by Blue Origin, which has previously carried notable figures, including pop stars and media personalities.

As the competition within private space companies intensifies, the emphasis on accessibility in space travel remains a vital aspect of the conversation about the future of space tourism.

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