Breaking Barriers: First Wheelchair User Goes to Space

Sun Dec 21 2025 01:07:59 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Michaela Benthaus, a brilliant engineer from Germany, has made history by becoming the first wheelchair user to travel to space, celebrating her remarkable journey on board Blue Origin's flight.

In a groundbreaking achievement for inclusivity in space exploration, German engineer Michaela Benthaus has successfully become the first wheelchair user to journey into space. After suffering a spinal cord injury seven years prior, Benthaus realized her dream with the help of retired SpaceX engineer, Hans Koenigsmann, participating in a historic 10-minute flight that demonstrates that space is accessible to everyone. This remarkable mission emphasizes the importance of inclusivity in the future of space travel.

In a historic moment for space exploration and inclusivity, Michaela Benthaus, an engineer from Germany, has become the world's first wheelchair user to go to space. After suffering a spinal cord injury due to a mountain bike accident seven years ago, Benthaus reached out to retired space engineer Hans Koenigsmann to explore the possibility of making her dream of space travel a reality.

Koenigsmann, inspired by Benthaus's determination, helped coordinate a flight with Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos's space tourism company. On Saturday, Benthaus and five other travelers launched from Texas, reaching the Kármán line, the boundary of space, in a memorable 10-minute flight.

It was the coolest experience! Benthaus exclaimed after landing, sharing her joy in a video released by Blue Origin. She expressed her admiration not only for the stunning views but also for the thrill of experiencing microgravity. Benthaus emphasized her newfound awareness of the accessibility challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, stating, I had really figured out how inaccessible our world still is.

With the assistance of ground support equipment, she maneuvered smoothly from her wheelchair into the capsule, highlighting the importance of adapting space travel for everyone. Koenigsmann, present during the flight, was on standby to provide help if needed and shared that Benthaus's spirit motivated him to facilitate this journey.

Phil Joyce, Blue Origin's senior vice-president for New Shepard, commented, Michi's flight is particularly meaningful, demonstrating that space is for everyone. The exact cost of the mission, now the 16th suborbital tourism flight by Blue Origin, has remained undisclosed. The company continues to lead in the competitive space tourism market, following recent flights that included celebrities like Katy Perry and Lauren Sánchez.