Former Hampshire NHS surgeon reaching for the stars as he's set to become first Paralympic astronaut
A former NHS surgeon in Hampshire has become the European Space Agency's (ESA) first astronaut with a physical disability and is to begin feasibility studies at the European Astronaut Centre in Germany.
Former UK Paralympian John McFall, 42, will spend the next two years working to identify how astronaut life could be made more accessible to allow for a wider range of people to travel into space.
He was selected alongside career astronaut Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian who became a member of the ESA Astronaut Reserve last year.
"The UK is reaching for the stars in the realm of space innovation, with three brilliant British candidates handpicked for the Agency’s prestigious astronaut cohort for the first time in over a decade – it is undeniable proof of our stellar global reputation in space leadership," said Chloe Smith, the UK government's science and technology secretary.
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Chief executive at the UK Space Agency Dr Paul Bate added: "We are thrilled to be supporting John’s journey as he takes on training and feasibility studies with ESA colleagues. John’s selection as the first ever astronaut with a physical disability is a landmark moment for the global space sector. It will help us discover new and more inclusive ways of working, demonstrating first-hand that space offers opportunities for everyone."
As part of the Fly! Feasibility Study, the father-of-three will undergo elements of astronaut training, such as sea survival and being in hyperbaric (low atmospheric pressure) environments.
The aim is to help ESA to assess the impact that being an amputee and wearing a prosthesis has.
McFall said: "While the feasibility study is bespoke to my own disability, this programme delivers a powerful message, which I hope will both broaden people’s appreciation of what people with disabilities can do, as well as inspire people with a range of disabilities about the opportunities available to them.
"My three children are really stoked to be moving to Germany and about the fact that their dad could one day go into space. It’s helping to engage them, especially my two daughters, with STEM learning, which is hugely important to me."
Aged 19, McFall had a motorcycle accident, which resulted in an above-knee amputation and sport became an important part of his rehabilitation.
He went on to compete at the highest level in Paralympic sport, winning European, World and Paralympic medals. Following that, he reignited his passion and curiosity for science and, at 28, returned to university to study medicine.
In 2018, he became a trauma and orthopaedic specialist registrar in the Wessex Deanery.
