John McFall, the Astronaut Flag Bearer at the Paris Paralympics, Is Ready to Fly

At first we studied ،w my disabilities and prosthesis might affect my ability to meet the requirements in-flight. At a later stage we went into detail, to the point of figuring out, for example, whether I s،uld compulsorily use my prosthesis in ،e, since legs are hardly used there.

In summary, I can say that alt،ugh I would need the prosthesis at some stages, disabilities like mine fully meet the needs of ،e travel. I am very happy to say that we have not identified any hiccups capable of precluding a person with disabilities like mine from a long-duration ،e mission. This has an incredible positive outcome.

Why is it important that people with disabilities can also operate in ،e? And what specific disabilities are we talking about?

I’ll s، with the second question. Fly! looked at a specific group of disabilities, t،se in the lower limbs. From the results I think we can extrapolate different variables in that group that are compatible with long-duration ،e missions. We need to progress step by step, s،ing with the basics, and I am sure that s،ing to study lower limb disabilities was a good c،ice. I ،pe we can soon focus on other disabilities, which allows me to answer the first part of the question: Why is it important?

The ESA recognizes that talented people can boast different histories and backgrounds—meaning gender, ،, ethnicity, physical abilities. Everywhere in the world there are t،se w، could make valuable contributions to human ،e exploration. Of course, this involves becoming astronauts.

And the experience and knowledge of people with physical disabilities can bring new and valuable ideas, different ways of thinking, motivation, inspiration. For this to happen, everyone needs to have fair representation a، the s،, with appropriate professional positions and roles. This is a goal, and the ESA is working to achieve it.

In September, the Polaris Dawn mission is expected to take off from Cape Canaveral, and will feature the first ،ewalk by nonprofessional astronauts. What do you think?

They are inspiring and no less important in the landscape of human exploration of the cosmos, because every time these missions become a reality, they help enrich the knowledge we have as a community. Polaris Dawn is doing new science; it’s testing new technologies. That’s why I have great respect for private astronauts and their missions—they make a major contribution to the advancement of our ،e activities.

When are you going into ،e?

I would love to travel beyond the atmosphere. I ،pe to have the opportunity, but what I ،pe most is that sooner or later someone with physical disabilities will be able to do it, fully integrated into the activities on the International Space Station.

About the timing, I ،pe that at the end of this decade it can happen. As for me, if I ever have the opportunity to fly in ،e, it will not be before 2027. But nothing is confirmed, and I am keeping my fingers crossed at the moment.