On Saturday, December 20, 2025, Michaela “Michi” Benthaus, a native of Kiel, Germany, made history as the first person with paraplegia to travel to space. The approximately eleven-minute flight, aboard Blue Origin’s “New Shepard NS-37” rocket, landed back at the Van Horn spaceport in West Texas. Joining Benthaus on the flight were former spaceflight engineer Hans Königsmann and four US entrepreneurs.
Flight to Space Previously Postponed
The launch of the NS-37 mission was initially delayed on Thursday evening due to a “problem with the integrated control mechanisms.” The rocket was originally scheduled to lift off at 3:30 PM, but the launch was repeatedly postponed and ultimately canceled around 6:00 PM.
For Greater Accessibility in Space and on Earth
Benthaus, who studied in Linz and Munich, is currently a space engineer working at the European Space Agency (ESA) in the Netherlands. She expressed a desire to make both Earth and space more accessible to all. Benthaus is a strong advocate for increasing accessibility in crewed spaceflight, and personally hopes to one day participate in space missions as an astronaut.
Free Movement in Weightlessness
Benthaus described the experience of weightlessness as liberating, despite the lack of control over her legs. “On the one hand, I have no control over my legs. They kind of do what they want. But on the other hand, it’s also really cool to be able to move so freely again,” she said.
Work on the Space Station Requires Special Solutions
Working in space, however, presents unique challenges. Basic tasks like using the shower and toilet require adaptation. Astronauts typically stabilize themselves on the International Space Station by using foot restraints, a method not viable for Benthaus. Solutions are needed to allow her to work effectively without relying on her legs or needing to hold on with her arms.
Criticism: Space Tourism for the Super-Rich
Blue Origin has not disclosed the cost of a ticket for these suborbital flights. These short trips to space have drawn criticism due to their environmental impact and are often characterized as “space tourism for the super-rich.” Benthaus countered this criticism, stating, “I don’t see my flight as a tourist flight at all, because we are already doing science. People always think you have to do an experiment on the flight yourself, but in my case, I am the experiment and we are trying to push boundaries and break new ground.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What rocket did Michaela Benthaus fly on?
Michaela Benthaus flew on Blue Origin’s “New Shepard NS-37” rocket.
Where did the flight land?
The flight landed at the Van Horn spaceport in the West Texas desert.
How long was the flight?
The flight lasted approximately eleven minutes.
As space exploration continues to evolve, will the industry prioritize inclusivity and accessibility for all, or will the barriers to entry remain prohibitive for many?
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