The world finally has its first ‘parastronaut’. Can we expect anyone to be able to go to space one day?

Sun, 25 Dec 2022 04:17:18 +1100

Andrew Pam <xanni [at] glasswings.com.au>

Andrew Pam
<https://theconversation.com/the-world-finally-has-its-first-parastronaut-can-we-expect-anyone-to-be-able-to-go-to-space-one-day-195566>

"The European Space Agency made history last week with the announcement of the
first “parastronaut”, 41-year-old UK citizen John McFall.

He is the first candidate selected for the Parastronaut Feasibility project,
described by ESA as a “serious, dedicated and honest attempt to clear the path
to space for a professional astronaut with a physical disability”.

McFall, a former Paralympic sprinter, had his right leg amputated after a
motorcycle accident at age 19.

Most of us are familiar with images of gruelling astronaut selection tests and
training from movies such as The Right Stuff. ESA seeks to answer the practical
question of what changes to training and equipment need to be made for a
physically disabled person to travel to space."

Cheers,
       *** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net               Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/                 Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/            Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/               Manager, Serious Cybernetics

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