, a member of the ESA astronaut
reserve, took part in the Paralympics opening ceremony in Paris
yesterday evening.
John, who won a Bronze medal for Great Britain in at the Beijing
2008 games, was one of two flag bearers representing the whole
paralympic community, alongside French sailor Damien Seguin.
The UK Space Agency is supporting John's work with the European
Space Agency (ESA) on the Fly! Feasibility study, which aims to
clear the path for an astronaut with a physical disability to
take part in a long duration mission to the International Space
Station.
In July 2024, ESA announced there were no technical showstoppers
to possibility of flying an astronaut with a disability like
John's on such a mission.
John Mcfall said:
I am truly honoured to be standing here today, as a Paralympian
and a member of the astronaut reserve with a physical disability.
I like to think that my presence at this year's ceremony, in my
new role at the European Space Agency, attests to and embodies
the success, reach and legacy of the Paralympic
movement.
With every new step of my journey, I am proud to be challenging
preconceptions around the professional roles in which we should
expect to see people with physical disabilities. I am committed
to playing my part in laying the foundations for a future that is
diverse, inclusive, and full of opportunity for all.
After losing his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of
19, John embarked on a successful career in athletics, competing
as a British Paralympic sprinter. He then transitioned into
medicine, qualifying as a Trauma and Orthopaedic Specialist
before being selected by ESA as a member of the astronaut reserve
in November 2022.
Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, Dr Paul Bate said:
John is a fantastic ambassador for the UK, for the Paralympics
and for the space sector. He has already achieved so much and is
breaking new ground as a member of the ESA astronaut reserve,
working to make human spaceflight more inclusive for people with
disabilities. Space is for everyone and, just like sport, it can
inspire a change in attitudes and bring people together.
Find out
more about the Fly! Feasibility Study.
