Shoot for the stars! Former NHS surgeon is repping Hampshire as the world’s first disabled astronaut

The European Space Agency’s first ‘parastronaut’ is about to embark on a two-year training course in the hopes of making spaceflight more accessible to a wider range of people.

John McFall, a 42-year-old Paralympic sprinter and former NHS surgeon, will be put through his paces as he undergoes trials like sea survival and working in low atmospheric pressure environments.

He’ll be working with ESA to figure out how an amputee with a prosthesis can live and work comfortably in space, testing out possible solutions to any problems which arise over the course of his training.

John said: “I’m a naturally curious person and I’m excited about the learning ahead, the science that will come out of it, and the fact that this is the small first step of a much bigger journey.

Credit: Jacklee, CC BY-SA 2.0

“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.”

John was selected for the programme last year alongside career astronaut Rosemary Coogan and Meganne Christian from the ESA Astronaut Reserve.

Together, they were among the first astronauts to be unveiled by ESA since 2009.

UK science and technology secretary Chloe Smith said: “John was inspirational as a British Paralympian, and I wish him all the success on his journey as he becomes the world’s first Paralympic astronaut – showing there is space for everyone in the industry.

Rosemary Coogan, John McFall, and Meganne Christian

“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.”

John became ESA’s first ever astronaut with a physical disability last November at the Council of Ministers.

That meeting also saw the UK government commit £1.84 billion, including £217 million towards ESA’s global exploration programme which sends robotic missions to Mars and funds the Artemis Moon programme.