Phases of Fly!
2020: ESA announces a flight opportunity for an astronaut with a physical disability. ESA assesses various types of disabilities compatible with a long-duration mission on the International Space Station as ...
Fly! aims to make space missions accessible for all. For the first time, ESA is exploring whether an astronaut with a physical disability could embark on a long duration mission to the International Space Station. At the heart of the Fly! Project is John McFall, a former Paralympic athlete and orthopaedic surgeon who became a leg amputee after a motorcycle accident. The programme demonstrates ESA’s commitment to increasing diversity and expanding its pool of astronaut talent.
John McFall – the expert on Fly!
John McFall was selected in 2022, becoming the first person with physical disability to be a member of ESA's astronaut reserve. ESA launched the Feasibility Study phase of Fly! focusing on John's disability: lower limb amputation. John's expertise helps develop innovative solutions for people with physical disabilities facing space-related challenges, such as microgravity adaptation, fitness and technology integration.
Project launch: November 2022
Expert: John McFall, UK
Domains: medical, training, crew support, spacecraft, and ISS operations
1
st astronaut with disability
2
phases completed
6
key domains
8
key team members
Latest news
Prostheses fit to Fly!
The performance of a lower limb prosthesis has been evaluated in microgravity conditions for the first time during the latest ESA parabolic flight campaign on the ‘Zero G’ aircraft.
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John McFall cycling in a head-down position to explore whether fluid shifts altered the fit or comfort of John’s prosthesis during exercise.
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Related links
Fly! study areas
Fly! is improving our understanding of the barriers spaceflight presents for astronauts with a physical disability. Key areas include adapting to microgravity, maintaining physical fitness and rehabilitation, and integrating assistive technologies and tools to support astronauts throughout the mission. Here are a few examples of the assessments carried out as part of the Fly! initiative.