What's Happening?
Blue Origin is set to make history by launching Michaela 'Michi' Benthaus, an aerospace and mechatronics engineer who uses a wheelchair, into space. Benthaus, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a mountain biking accident, will be part of a six-member
crew on the NS-37 mission. The mission will utilize Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket, a fully reusable spacecraft designed for suborbital flights. The launch is scheduled from Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas. Benthaus, who works for the European Space Agency, has been an advocate for greater accessibility in space exploration since her accident in 2018. The mission will take the crew past the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space, providing them with several minutes of microgravity before returning to Earth.
Why It's Important?
This mission represents a significant step forward in making space travel more inclusive. By sending a person who uses a wheelchair into space, Blue Origin is challenging the traditional barriers that have limited space exploration to able-bodied individuals. This could pave the way for more inclusive policies and technologies in the aerospace industry, potentially inspiring other companies to follow suit. The mission also highlights the advancements in reusable spacecraft technology, which could reduce costs and increase the frequency of space travel. For Benthaus, this mission is not only a personal achievement but also a testament to the possibilities of overcoming physical limitations through innovation and determination.
What's Next?
Following the NS-37 mission, Blue Origin is likely to continue its efforts to make space travel more accessible. The success of this mission could lead to further developments in spacecraft design to accommodate a wider range of physical abilities. Additionally, the aerospace industry may see increased advocacy for inclusive practices, potentially influencing future policies and mission planning. As more individuals with diverse backgrounds participate in space missions, the industry could experience a shift towards more comprehensive training and support systems for astronauts with disabilities.
