Blue Origin's Next Mission Takes a Historic Step Towards Accessibility in Space Travel
For Michaela "Michi" Benthaus, the prospect of embarking on a suborbital spaceflight is more than just a thrilling adventure – it's a chance to redefine who has access to this extraordinary experience. As a person with paraplegia, she has been an outspoken advocate for greater inclusivity in space travel, and her upcoming journey aboard Blue Origin's New Shepherd mission marks a major milestone in this pursuit.
Benthaus will be joining five other civilian astronauts on the 37th flight of New Shepherd, which is scheduled to launch from Launch Site One in West Texas next Thursday. The suborbital flights typically last around 10-12 minutes and provide a brief glimpse into weightlessness. Blue Origin will begin livestreaming the event 40 minutes prior to liftoff.
Benthaus's involvement with AstroAccess, an organization that aims to make spaceflight more accessible to people with disabilities, has been instrumental in paving the way for her historic mission. Through her work with the group, she participated in a parabolic flight that allowed her to experience zero gravity for the first time. The organization conducts microgravity and analog astronaut missions with disabled scientists, veterans, students, athletes, and artists to investigate how spacecraft environments can be designed to accommodate all astronauts.
Benthaus's journey highlights the need to challenge traditional notions of space travel, which have historically been reserved for able-bodied individuals. "I thought my dream of going to space had ended forever when I had my accident," she wrote in a LinkedIn post. "But I might be the first—but have no intention of being the last." This determination underscores the importance of making spaceflight accessible to people with disabilities and serves as a powerful call to action for the space industry.
With Benthaus's historic mission, AstroAccess is one step closer to achieving its goal of creating a more inclusive space travel program. Her achievement will help validate strategies for making spaceflight accessible to individuals with paraplegia and pave the way for future astronauts with this condition. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that no one's dreams are left behind due to physical limitations.
Benthaus's pioneering spirit serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been marginalized by traditional notions of space travel. Her courage and determination inspire us to rethink the possibilities of space exploration and to strive for a future where everyone has access to this extraordinary experience, regardless of ability or disability.
For Michaela "Michi" Benthaus, the prospect of embarking on a suborbital spaceflight is more than just a thrilling adventure – it's a chance to redefine who has access to this extraordinary experience. As a person with paraplegia, she has been an outspoken advocate for greater inclusivity in space travel, and her upcoming journey aboard Blue Origin's New Shepherd mission marks a major milestone in this pursuit.
Benthaus will be joining five other civilian astronauts on the 37th flight of New Shepherd, which is scheduled to launch from Launch Site One in West Texas next Thursday. The suborbital flights typically last around 10-12 minutes and provide a brief glimpse into weightlessness. Blue Origin will begin livestreaming the event 40 minutes prior to liftoff.
Benthaus's involvement with AstroAccess, an organization that aims to make spaceflight more accessible to people with disabilities, has been instrumental in paving the way for her historic mission. Through her work with the group, she participated in a parabolic flight that allowed her to experience zero gravity for the first time. The organization conducts microgravity and analog astronaut missions with disabled scientists, veterans, students, athletes, and artists to investigate how spacecraft environments can be designed to accommodate all astronauts.
Benthaus's journey highlights the need to challenge traditional notions of space travel, which have historically been reserved for able-bodied individuals. "I thought my dream of going to space had ended forever when I had my accident," she wrote in a LinkedIn post. "But I might be the first—but have no intention of being the last." This determination underscores the importance of making spaceflight accessible to people with disabilities and serves as a powerful call to action for the space industry.
With Benthaus's historic mission, AstroAccess is one step closer to achieving its goal of creating a more inclusive space travel program. Her achievement will help validate strategies for making spaceflight accessible to individuals with paraplegia and pave the way for future astronauts with this condition. As the space industry continues to evolve, it is essential that we prioritize accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring that no one's dreams are left behind due to physical limitations.
Benthaus's pioneering spirit serves as a beacon of hope for those who have been marginalized by traditional notions of space travel. Her courage and determination inspire us to rethink the possibilities of space exploration and to strive for a future where everyone has access to this extraordinary experience, regardless of ability or disability.
still, it's kinda amazing that there's someone pushing for accessibility in space travel now. i think its cool that astroaccess is making this a thing, been around for a bit but seems like its really taking off now 
. It's amazing how much progress AstroAccess has made in making space travel more inclusive, they're literally paving the way for ppl with disabilities to join the astronauts club 
. We need more people like Michi who aren't afraid to challenge traditional norms and fight for what's right 
. Let's keep pushing forward and make space travel accessible to everyone regardless of ability 
.
like we're literally on the verge of making space travel accessible to EVERYONE no matter what their body can do 
michi benthaus is literally a hero 
i mean think about it, theres so many ppl out there with disabilities or chronic illnesses who cant even go for a run without getting winded let alone survive in space 
she's got paraplegia and shes still chasing her dreams of going to space 
! It's like, we've been stuck in this mindset that only able-bodied people can explore space, but she's totally crushing it and showing us that accessibility is key 
. As someone with a disability myself, I know how hard it can be to keep the dream alive when things seem impossible 
. But Michi's determination is infectious - she's proving that with the right support and resources, anyone can reach for the stars 
! AstroAccess is doing some amazing work here, and we need more organizations like this pushing boundaries and breaking barriers 
AstroAccess is doing some awesome work, and it's awesome to see organizations like that making a difference 
!