German Engineer Michaela Benthaus Becomes First Wheelchair User in Space Aboard Blue Origin Flight

Historic Flight Achieved by Michaela Benthaus

In a landmark achievement for accessibility and space exploration, German aerospace and mechatronics engineer Michaela Benthaus became the first wheelchair user to journey into space. Her historic flight took place on Saturday, December 20, 2025, aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard suborbital mission launched from the company's facility in West Texas.

The approximately 10-minute flight saw Benthaus and her fellow passengers cross the Karman line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. This milestone underscores a growing commitment to making space travel more inclusive.

A Journey Driven by Advocacy

Benthaus, an engineer at the European Space Agency, sustained a spinal cord injury in a mountain biking accident, leading to her use of a wheelchair. Her personal experience has fueled her advocacy for greater accessibility, not only on Earth but also in the realm of space.

In a video released by Blue Origin, Benthaus stated, 'After my accident, I really, really figured out how inaccessible our world still is' for people with disabilities. She added, 'If we want to be an inclusive society, we should be inclusive in every part and not only in the parts we like to be.'

Blue Origin's Accessible Design and Future Implications

The New Shepard capsule, designed with accessibility in mind, required only minor adjustments to accommodate Benthaus, including a patient transfer board to assist her movement between the hatch and her seat. Her trip was sponsored by Blue Origin and retired SpaceX executive Hans Koenigsmann, who also accompanied her on the flight.

Upon landing, a recovery team ensured immediate access to her wheelchair, which she had left behind at liftoff. NASA chief Jared Isaacman congratulated Benthaus, remarking, 'Congratulations, Michi! You just inspired millions to look up and imagine what is possible.' This pioneering flight is expected to inspire further efforts toward making space accessible to a wider range of individuals, breaking down barriers in the final frontier.