Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old aerospace and mechatronics engineer from Germany, has made history as the first wheelchair user to travel beyond the Kármán Line, which marks the boundary of outer space at 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. Her groundbreaking journey took place on October 7, 2023, aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule, launching from the company’s facilities near Van Horn, Texas. This mission, designated NS-37, is the 16th suborbital space tourism flight conducted by Blue Origin, a venture founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000 to broaden access to space.
Before her flight, Benthaus shared her thoughts on the opportunity. “I always wanted to go to space, but I never really considered it something which I could actually do,” she explained in an interview. Her perspective changed after securing a seat on the New Shepard capsule. Previously, she had questioned whether space travel was suitable for someone with a spinal cord injury, which she sustained in a mountain biking accident in 2018.
Benthaus has pursued her passions in engineering and research while navigating life in a wheelchair. Her enthusiasm for space exploration intensified following her injury, as she focused on overcoming challenges related to mobility.
Flight Experience and Goals
The New Shepard flight lasted approximately 10 minutes, propelling Benthaus and her five crewmates to speeds exceeding three times the speed of sound. The rocket provided passengers with a brief experience of weightlessness at the peak of its ascent, allowing them to witness Earth from an extraordinary vantage point. Benthaus planned to utilize a specially designed strap to secure her legs as she exited her seat to enjoy the microgravity experience.
Having previously encountered microgravity during a parabolic training flight, Benthaus expressed her anticipation for the views rather than performing stunts in the cabin. “I want to see how this leg strap works — and if not, what could maybe be improved in the future,” she stated, highlighting her commitment to enhancing the experience for future passengers who may face similar challenges.
Assistance was available during the flight. Hans Koenigsmann, a former executive at SpaceX and a friend of Benthaus, accompanied her and had received training to provide help if necessary.
Advocacy and Impact
Alongside her personal achievement, Benthaus is using her space journey to raise awareness and funds for Wings for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spinal cord injury research. Her flight not only marks a significant milestone for accessibility in space travel but also shines a light on the importance of advancing research in this critical area.
Michaela Benthaus’s journey to space represents a momentous achievement, breaking barriers and inspiring individuals with disabilities to pursue their dreams. As she returns to Earth, her experience may pave the way for greater inclusivity in future space missions, encouraging more people to envision themselves as part of the cosmos.
