The European Space Agency (ESA) introduced the 2022 Astronaut Training Class, which it opened after 13 years to train new astronauts, to the world at a press conference in Paris, the capital of France. ESA’s new class of 17 people broke new ground. British paralympic runner John McFall took part in ESA as the world’s first disabled astronaut.
WILL JOIN SPACE EDUCATION ASSOCIATIONS
McFall, who the ESA calls a “para-astronaut,” will be involved in a study designed to allow ESA to assess the conditions needed for people with disabilities to take part in future missions. McFall will join space training troops to work with designers and engineers to see if he can be the first disabled person to go into space.
McFall, who is among the more than 22,500 candidates who applied to the ESA, including about 257 with disabilities, said in a statement that he hopes to inspire others and show that science and potentially space is for everyone.
McFall entered various tournaments as a Paralympic runner after losing his leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19. McFall won a bronze medal in the 100m at the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. (UAV)