Michaela Benthaus: The First Wheelchair User to Reach Space

Sat Dec 20 2025 23:35:40 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a groundbreaking achievement, German engineer Michaela Benthaus has become the first wheelchair user to go to space, emphasizing accessibility in the realm of space tourism.

Michaela Benthaus made history as the first wheelchair user to enter space during a 10-minute flight organized by Blue Origin. After a spinal cord injury, she worked with retired engineer Hans Koenigsmann to realize her dream. The mission underscores the possibilities of accessible space travel, with Benthaus expressing her joy upon the experience.

Michaela Benthaus: The First Wheelchair User to Reach Space

An engineer from Germany has made history as the world's first wheelchair user to go to space, marking a significant milestone in both her personal journey and the field of space tourism.

Michaela Benthaus, who suffered a spinal cord injury in a mountain bike accident seven years ago, reached out online to retired space engineer Hans Koenigsmann, questioning if her aspiration of becoming an astronaut was viable.

With Koenigsmann’s assistance, Benthaus embarked on a historic 10-minute flight aboard Blue Origin, the space tourism company founded by Jeff Bezos. This monumental journey took place from a launchpad in Texas, reaching above the designated Kármán line that marks the boundary of space.

Upon landing, she expressed her thrill in a video shared by Blue Origin, saying, It was the coolest experience! I didn't only like the view and the micro-gravity, but I also liked going up. That was so cool, every stage of going up.

Ms. Benthaus works at the European Space Agency and emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, noting how inaccessible many aspects of our world remain. In preparation for the flight, she utilized a specialized bench extending from the hatch to transition from her wheelchair into the capsule.

During the journey, Hans Koenigsmann was nearby, prepared to assist her if necessary, having been inspired by Benthaus's determination to reach for the stars. It’s her drive that inspired me to participate in this historic event, he remarked.

Blue Origin enhanced their ground support equipment to facilitate Benthaus’s entry and exit from the space capsule, underlining their commitment to making space accessible to everyone. Phil Joyce, senior vice-president of New Shepard, stated, Michi's flight is particularly meaningful, demonstrating that space is for everyone, and we are proud to help her achieve this dream.

While the financial details of Benthaus's mission remain undisclosed, it marks the 16th sub-orbital space tourism launch by Blue Origin, a company that has successfully transported numerous tourists, including celebrities, to experience space travel.

This flight occurs within the context of a burgeoning space tourism market, where private companies vie for superiority. Michaela Benthaus’s incredible journey introduces a new narrative: that the wonders of space can be shared by all, regardless of physical limitations.

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