Originally published on 7/29/25

John McFall is making history as the first-ever “parastronaut” (Paralympic astronaut) ever to be named “mission-ready.” The 44-year-old former Olympic sprinter and orthopedic surgeon from the United Kingdom recently shared that he was all set to blast off to the International Space Station, making him the first ever person with a disability to do so. We look more into his historic flight and how he trained for the mission, below. 

A look at John McFall’s historic journey to space 

In 2022, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced the creation of the Parastronaut Feasibility project—or “Fly!”—which, according to their website, is going to help them “improve our understanding of, and overcome, the barriers space flight presents for astronauts with a physical disability.” They then shared that McFall would be the first parastronaut selected for the program. 

“They were also looking for someone with a physical disability to go through the application process with the overarching goal of clearing the path to space for a professional astronaut with a physical disability,” McFall told NBC News earlier this month. “I really hope that we are setting the foundations for a revolution.” 

Following his selection, McFall underwent a series of astronaut training, including exercises involving zero-gravity underwater drills and other activities. They lasted for a year and a half before the ESA declared him “mission ready” and able to finally travel to the International Space Station for at least 6 months. 

McFall, who was born and raised in the United Kingdom, lost his leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19. However, he didn’t let that deter him from his goals. In 2008, he won the bronze medal in the 100-meter sprint at the Beijing Paralympic Games and has also won several medals from the International Paralympic Committee and the International Amputee and Wheelchair Sports Federation. He also earned his doctorate and went on to work as an orthopedic surgeon, for which he received the John Charnley Trust Research Bursary award.

“It was a realization that, if things are going to happen, if you are going to get through this, it’s solely my responsibility to open those doors, walk through those doors, seize those opportunities,” McFall said of his disability journey to NBC News. 

What special gear will John McFall need in orbit? 

One thing that McFall will need to do to make his journey to space easier is to ensure that he has three types of prosthetic legs available. One for exercise, one blast off and landing and one for everyday use. 

Aside from that, McFall has passed every other test and hopes that once he does finally blast off, people all around the world will see him and be inspired by his journey. 

“This is a beautiful trickle-down effect of what we do,” he told NBC News. “And I think, or I hope that kid would look at what we are doing and saying, ‘Well, listen, I can do what I want to do.’”

As of publication, McFall doesn’t have a take-off date, but it is expected to be at some point next year. 

Link to original: https://www.womansworld.com/entertainment/news/meet-the-first-ever-parastronaut-john-mcfall