German Engineer Becomes 1st Wheelchair User to Blast into Space

Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer from Germany, became the first wheelchair user to travel to space, marking a significant milestone in space accessibility. Benthaus, who was severely injured in a mountain bike accident seven years ago, embarked on her space journey aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket, which launched from West Texas on December 20, 2025.

The flight, which lasted about 10 minutes and soared more than 65 miles (105 kilometers) above Earth, was a dream come true for Benthaus. She described the experience as “the coolest experience” and expressed her excitement by laughing all the way up and attempting to turn upside down once in space.

Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, designed its autonomous New Shepard capsule with accessibility in mind, ensuring that the flight could accommodate people with different abilities. Special adjustments were made for Benthaus, including a patient transfer board to help her move between the capsule’s hatch and her seat. After landing, a carpet was rolled out to provide immediate access to her wheelchair, which she left behind at liftoff.

Benthaus, 33, is part of the European Space Agency’s graduate trainee program and had previously experienced weightlessness during a parabolic airplane flight in 2022. Despite her spinal injury, which leaves her unable to walk, Benthaus remained determined to pursue her space dream. She was invited to join the mission by Hans Koenigsmann, a retired SpaceX executive, who served as her emergency helper during the flight.

Benthaus’s journey highlights the growing accessibility of space travel and aims to inspire others with disabilities. She emphasized the importance of never giving up on dreams and hopes her mission will pave the way for greater inclusivity in both space exploration and on Earth.

Benthaus shared the flight with a group of business executives, investors, and a computer scientist, raising the total number of Blue Origin space travelers to 86. With her groundbreaking achievement, Benthaus has become a symbol of perseverance and a catalyst for change in the realm of space accessibility.