First Wheelchair User in Space

Stories like Michaela Benthaus's hit close to home for many of us living with spinal cord injuries—she shows how our lived experiences can fuel real change in places we never thought possible.

Michaela, a 33-year-old aerospace engineer from Germany working at the European Space Agency, has used a wheelchair since becoming paraplegic in a mountain biking accident in 2018. She's long been involved with AstroAccess, a group pushing for disability inclusion in space through parabolic flights and accessibility research. Her engineering skills and advocacy make her someone a lot of us can see ourselves in, turning personal challenges into drives for broader innovation.

A few weeks ago, on December 20, Michaela became the first wheelchair user to cross the Kármán line aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard mission, experiencing several minutes of weightlessness high above Earth. That brief taste of freedom mirrors the thrill many feel in adaptive sports or other pursuits that defy everyday limits. The flight included small adaptations, like a transfer board for entering the capsule, and tested ways to make space travel more inclusive going forward. It's a step that could influence how future programs design for diverse bodies and abilities.

Michaela's journey reminds those of us in the spinal cord injury community that representation in new frontiers matters deeply. It encourages us to keep advocating for access in our daily lives, from community events to personal goals. As she floats into history, let's take that inspiration to push our own boundaries, knowing one trailblazer's flight can open paths for many more.

If you’re interested in reading more about Michaela’s visit to space, click HERE.