A Blue Origin rocket is set to carry a unique passenger on a future mission, marking a major moment in space travel. Michaela Benthaus is expected to become the first wheelchair user to travel to space. The mission, named NS-37, became possible with support from Hans Koenigsmann, a former top executive at SpaceX, which is Blue Origin’s main rival.
Who Is Michaela Benthaus?
Michaela Benthaus is an aerospace and mechatronics engineer who works with the European Space Agency. She uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury. She has now been selected to fly on Blue Origin’s NS-37 mission, making her the first person with a mobility-limiting disability to attempt space travel.
How Did a Chance Meeting Make Space Travel Possible?
The idea for this mission began after Benthaus met Hans Koenigsmann at an event in Munich last year. During their conversation, Benthaus spoke about her lifelong dream of going to space. She also shared doubts about whether it was possible because her injury prevents her from walking.
Koenigsmann decided to explore options quietly. He knew Benthaus was interested in a suborbital flight, not a long mission to orbit. Since SpaceX focuses on costly orbital missions and Blue Origin runs short suborbital trips, he contacted Blue Origin. The company responded positively to the idea.
What Is the NS-37 Mission and Who Is on Board?
Benthaus and Koenigsmann are scheduled to fly together as part of a six-member crew on Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket. The spacecraft has already flown more than 80 people, including Jeff Bezos, Katy Perry, and actor William Shatner.
The flight lasts about 10 minutes and crosses the Kármán Line, located 100 kilometers above Earth, which is widely accepted as the boundary of space. Benthaus later said she found it hard to believe the mission was actually happening, as she never thought space travel would be realistic for her.
Why Was the Launch Delayed?
The mission was supposed to launch from Blue Origin’s site near Van Horn, Texas. However, the company delayed the launch after identifying an issue during routine safety checks. No further details were shared, and a new launch date has not yet been announced.
How Is Blue Origin Adapting the Flight for a Wheelchair User?
During the flight, Koenigsmann will serve as Benthaus’ support companion if help is needed. Benthaus believes she can handle most tasks independently. She can enter and exit the capsule using a small bench.
To manage weightlessness, she plans to secure her legs with a strap so they stay stable when passengers float during zero gravity. Blue Origin flights usually offer three to four minutes of weightlessness. Koenigsmann will assist her if there is an emergency or if quick evacuation is required.
Benthaus has said that Blue Origin is well prepared. She and Koenigsmann visited the company’s Texas facility twice to plan and test the required adaptations.
Why Is This Mission Important for People With Disabilities?
Experts have long said that space travel could be suitable for people with physical disabilities because microgravity removes many limits caused by gravity. Still, no wheelchair user has traveled to space before.
There has been progress in recent years. In 2021, Hayley Arceneaux, a cancer survivor with a prosthetic leg, flew to orbit. More recently, Paralympian John McFall became the first person with a physical disability to be medically cleared to fly to the International Space Station, though he has not yet traveled to space.
Despite these examples, Benthaus once feared her spinal cord injury from a 2018 mountain biking accident made spaceflight impossible for her.
What Message Does This Mission Send?
Benthaus believes her journey can change how disability is viewed in space exploration. She admits that space travel may not become widely accessible for wheelchair users anytime soon, as her mission required special adjustments.
She has stressed the need to rethink current systems and be more open to change so people with spinal cord injuries can take part in future missions.
How Expensive Is Space Travel?
Cost remains a major challenge. Commercial space travel can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Benthaus has acknowledged that her opportunity came largely because of her connection with Koenigsmann and the support provided by him and Blue Origin.
Why Did Hans Koenigsmann Leave SpaceX?
Koenigsmann was one of SpaceX’s earliest employees and helped develop the Falcon 1 rocket. He later became head of build and flight reliability and often represented the company publicly.
In 2021, he left SpaceX after disagreements with CEO Elon Musk over responsibility for a failed rocket test in 2020. Despite leaving, Koenigsmann has said he still respects SpaceX and credits Musk for helping his career.
Why Is This Mission Bigger Than Corporate Competition?
Koenigsmann has said that flying with Blue Origin instead of SpaceX may look unusual. However, he believes the mission goes beyond rivalry. In his view, competition is healthy but should not overshadow meaningful progress.
Why Does Disability Inclusion Matter in Space Exploration?
Benthaus has received strong support, though some critics question why space companies should make accommodations for people with disabilities.
She has explained that future missions, such as trips to Mars, will be long. Astronauts could become injured or disabled during the journey, and returning to Earth would not be possible. Understanding how people with disabilities function in space is therefore essential.
She has also highlighted that inclusion adds value. People with disabilities often bring resilience, adaptability, and problem-solving skills to a team. As part of her mission, Benthaus is raising funds for Wings for Life, a nonprofit that supports spinal cord injury research.
