Texas: A German aerospace engineer who was left paraplegic after a cycling accident has made history by becoming the first wheelchair user to travel to space, floating freely above Earth on a Blue Origin flight from West Texas.
Michaela Benthaus, 33, blasted off on Saturday aboard Jeff Bezos’s New Shepard rocket, fulfilling a dream she once believed was impossible. The short suborbital flight carried six passengers and crossed the internationally recognised boundary of space, reaching an altitude of more than 65 miles before returning safely to Earth.
Benthaus was seriously injured in a mountain biking accident seven years ago, leaving her unable to walk. For a long time, she believed spaceflight was out of reach, especially in an industry known for its intense competition and physical demands. That perception changed when she was invited to fly by Hans Koenigsmann, a retired SpaceX executive who helped organise and sponsor the mission.
Space is for everyone. pic.twitter.com/OUs4V2LURA
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) December 20, 2025
The flight lasted about 10 minutes and included more than three minutes of weightlessness. During that time, Benthaus was able to leave her seat and float inside the capsule, experiencing space without her wheelchair for the first time. After landing, she described the journey as exhilarating and overwhelming in the best possible way.
Blue Origin stated that only minor adjustments were required to support her participation. The capsule had already been designed with accessibility in mind. A transfer board was added to help her move between the hatch and her seat, and a carpet was rolled out immediately after landing to allow smooth access back to her wheelchair. An elevator at the launch site also allowed easy access to the capsule before liftoff.
Benthaus trained extensively ahead of the flight and had previously experienced brief weightlessness during parabolic aircraft flights. She also took part in a simulated space mission in Europe, building experience and confidence step by step.
A few snapshots from today’s NS-37 mission! See more photos in our gallery: https://t.co/gpLbEqvCyC pic.twitter.com/bfSB14s3GN
— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) December 21, 2025
The mission was private and not linked to the European Space Agency, although the agency has recently approved an amputee astronaut for a future mission to the International Space Station. Benthaus required an emergency assistant during landing, a role assigned to Koenigsmann.
Beyond personal achievement, Benthaus hopes her flight sends a wider message. She wants space, science, and everyday life on Earth to become more accessible to people with disabilities.
