First Wheelchair User Travels to Space, Makes History
Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old engineer from Germany, has become the first wheelchair user to travel to space, reaching the Kármán Line aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard. Her flight marks a significant milestone in space accessibility.
Benthaus's journey, part of Blue Origin's NS-37 mission, lasted around 10 minutes, offering her and five crewmates a brief experience of weightlessness. After a spinal cord injury in 2018, she focused on engineering and aimed to prove that space is for everyone. Her adventure also raises funds for spinal cord injury research. Experts believe her achievement will inspire others and push for more inclusive space travel.
What are your thoughts on this groundbreaking mission?
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https://www.cnn.com/2025/12/20/science/blue-origin-koenigsmann-benthaus-wheelchair