British orthopedic surgeon and Paralympic champion John McFall may go down in history as the first person with a physical disability, that will fly into Earth orbit. This was made possible thanks to a new agreement between the UK government and the American aerospace company Vast. McFall's mission, which is currently included in the reserve of astronauts of the European Space Agency, can happen already in 2027 year, shortly after the launch of the Haven-1 commercial station.
The California startup Vast is currently in the final stages of building the device. The size of the station is slightly smaller than a single-decker bus, however, it can comfortably accommodate four astronauts. A two-week scientific project is planned as part of the mission. The main focus of John McFall's research will be aimed at studying the impact of the space environment on his body and the operation of a modern prosthesis. Because such devices rely on complex systems of sensors and microprocessors, their behavior in microgravity conditions is of great interest. Test results can become a real revolution in medicine on Earth. They will give an impetus to the creation of lighter and more adaptive prostheses, and will also help scientists to better understand the processes of muscle atrophy and the development of osteoporosis. All this opens the way to the latest rehabilitation programs for people, who underwent amputation.
Expected, that the crew will depart for the Haven-1 station aboard the Crew Dragon capsule, which will be launched into orbit by the Falcon launch vehicle 9 from the company SpaceX. British Space Agency, according to the memorandum, will assist Vast in finding sponsors to finance this historic flight. An alternative scenario for John McFall could be a private mission to the International Space Station next year.
Source: https://universemagazine.com