John McFall is one step closer to making history as the first astronaut with a physical disability to live and work on the International Space Station (ISS). The European Space Agency (ESA) has medically certified him for a long-duration mission, marking a major milestone in inclusive space exploration. A former Paralympian and surgeon, McFall lost his leg in a motorcycle accident at 19 but never let it slow him down. He was selected for ESA’s Fly! Feasibility study in 2022 to test the viability of spaceflight for individuals with disabilities, and the successful results now pave the way for his next phase: Fly! Mission Ready. This phase will finalize his medical certification, assess his prosthetic’s performance in space, and explore potential scientific contributions. McFall hopes to secure a mission before the ISS retires after 2030, proving that space is truly for everyone.
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