First Wheelchair User Reaches Space in Historic Mission

Michaela Benthaus, a German national, has made history by becoming the first person who uses a wheelchair to travel to space.

Benthaus’s journey to space comes seven years after a life-changing accident during a motorcycle race, in which she suffered a severe spinal cord injury that left her unable to walk.

Despite the setback, Benthaus refused to abandon her childhood dream of traveling to space. After the accident, she reached out to a former space industry expert, asking for guidance and support to make her dream a reality.

A Journey Made Possible by Blue Origin

Her historic spaceflight was made possible through Blue Origin, the space tourism company founded by billionaire Jeff Bezos. The mission lasted 10 minutes and took place on December 20, 2025.

Benthaus flew alongside five other passengers, launching from Texas aboard a suborbital spacecraft. The crew successfully crossed the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space.

An Emotional and Symbolic Moment

Following the mission, Benthaus described the experience as “unforgettable,” highlighting the emotional weight of achieving what many once considered impossible.

She currently works with the European Space Agency (ESA) and said the accident opened her eyes to how society often underestimates the abilities of people living with disabilities.

Benthaus explained that her journey was not only personal but also a statement meant to challenge stereotypes and demonstrate that physical disability does not limit ambition or potential.

Support From Space Industry Veterans

Hans Koenigsmann, a former senior executive at SpaceX, played a key role in supporting Benthaus’s preparation. He said her determination and resilience convinced him that she deserved every opportunity to reach space.

The mission is being widely praised as a major step forward for inclusion and accessibility in space exploration, opening the door for broader participation in future space travel.