John McFall is ready to fly, as the flag bearer of the Paris Paralympics.
We went into detail at a later stage, determining whether I should be forced to use my prosthesis in space because legs are rarely used there. We went further into the details, determining, for instance, if I should be forced to use my prosthesis since there are no legs in space. I am happy to report that we did not find any problems that would prevent a person like me from being able to go on a long-term space mission. Why is it so important for people with disabilities to be able to operate in space as well? What specific disabilities are we referring to?
I will start with the second part of your question. Fly! Fly! Using the results, I believe we can extrapolate variables that are compatible for long-duration missions in space. We must progress slowly, beginning with the basics. I’m sure that choosing to start by studying lower limb disabilities, was a wise choice. I hope we can soon focus on other disabilities, which allows me to answer the first part of the question: Why is it important?
The ESA recognizes that talented people can boast different histories and backgrounds–meaning gender, sex, ethnicity, physical abilities. There are people all over the world who can make valuable contributions to space exploration. Of course, this involves becoming astronauts.
And the experience and knowledge of people with physical disabilities can bring new and valuable ideas, different ways of thinking, motivation, inspiration. To achieve this, there must be a fair representation of all staff members, in the appropriate roles and positions. The ESA strives to accomplish this goal. What do you think about these missions?
They’re inspiring and important to the human exploration of space because they enrich our knowledge as a society. Polaris Dawn tests new technologies and does new science. That’s why I have great respect for private astronauts and their missions–they make a major contribution to the advancement of our space activities.
McFall and other ESA astronauts in a weightlessness simulation.
ESA/A. Conigli
When will you be going to space?
I’d love to travel beyond our atmosphere. I hope to have the opportunity, but what I hope most is that sooner or later someone with physical disabilities will be able to do it, fully integrated into the activities on the International Space Station.
About the timing, I hope that at the end of this decade it can happen. If I have the chance to fly into space, it won’t be before 2027. However, nothing has been confirmed and I’m keeping my fingers crossed for the time being.
