In the running for space

Seen here trying out a treadmill in microgravity aboard ESA-backed A310 Zero-G parabolic flight is John McFall, a British Paralympic sprinter and orthopaedic surgeon, currently a member of ESA’s Astronaut Reserve. As part of ESA’s pioneering 'Fly!' project, he is helping explore how astronauts with physical disabilities could embark in future human spaceflight.

In February 2025 John was certified for flight by the medical board of the ISS, marking a historic milestone - being the first and only person with a physical disability to receive a medical certification for a long-duration space mission. His achievement marks a groundbreaking step toward expanding who gets to dream – and who gets to go – beyond Earth.