German Engineer Michaela Benthaus Becomes First Wheelchair User in Space
Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old aerospace and mechatronics engineer, made history by becoming the first wheelchair user to travel past the Kármán Line, the widely recognized boundary of space located 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. Her groundbreaking journey occurred on October 7, 2023, aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule, which launched from the company’s facilities near Van Horn, Texas. This mission, designated NS-37, marks the 16th suborbital space tourism flight undertaken by Blue Origin, a venture founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000 to broaden access to space for individuals beyond the traditional astronaut profile.
Benthaus expressed her aspirations about space travel prior to the flight, stating, “I always wanted to go to space, but I never really considered it something which I could actually do.” She reflected on the societal perceptions surrounding disabilities, sharing her thoughts that perhaps space was reserved for those with “an amputated leg but still can walk a little bit.” Having sustained a spinal cord injury in a 2018 mountain biking accident, Benthaus transformed her challenges into motivation, channeling her passion for engineering and research into the field of space exploration.
During the approximately ten-minute flight, the New Shepard rocket propelled Benthaus and her five crewmates to speeds exceeding three times the speed of sound, enabling them to cross the Kármán Line. The design of New Shepard allows passengers a brief experience of weightlessness at the apex of their flight, providing a unique opportunity to view Earth from an extraordinary vantage point.
To ensure her safety and comfort, Benthaus planned to use a specialized strap to secure her legs while she exited her seat to enjoy the microgravity experience. She had previously experienced microgravity during a parabolic training flight and anticipated focusing on the stunning views rather than engaging in flips within the cabin.
Benthaus aims to utilize insights gained from her journey to enhance the experience for future passengers with similar conditions. She stated, “I want to see how this leg strap works — and if not, what could maybe be improved in the future.” Notably, it remained uncertain whether she would require assistance to return to her seat after her microgravity experience. Her friend Hans Koenigsmann, a former executive at SpaceX, flew with her and was trained to offer support if necessary.
In conjunction with her historic flight, Benthaus is raising funds for Wings for Life, a nonprofit organization focused on spinal cord injury research. Her journey not only demonstrates personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration for others with disabilities, highlighting the potential for expanded diversity in space exploration.
