HAMPSHIRE — The UK Space Agency signed a memorandum of understanding with U.S. startup Vast in 2024 to support John McFall’s potential mission to the Haven-1 space station. If the flight proceeds, McFall would become the first astronaut with a physical disability to fly in space and the first Briton in space since Tim Peake’s 2015–16 mission.
McFall, an orthopaedic surgeon with the NHS and a bronze medalist in the 100m at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics, lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19. He was selected in 2022 for the European Space Agency’s Fly! project, which examines whether astronauts with physical disabilities can participate in long-duration missions to the International Space Station (ISS). In 2023, he was cleared for orbital activities.
The proposed two-week mission to Haven-1 would study how the space environment affects McFall’s body and modern prosthetic limbs, which often rely on sensors and microprocessors. Findings from his research could contribute to lighter and more adaptable prosthetics, improve understanding of osteoporosis and muscle wastage, and lead to better rehabilitation programs for amputees.
Vast, a California-based startup, is constructing the Haven-1 space station, which is slightly smaller than a single-decker bus and can house up to four astronauts. The station features a maplewood veneer interior, a domed window for observing Earth, and a laboratory for microgravity research. Haven-1 is proposed to launch in 2027. McFall and other astronauts would travel to the station aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket. An alternative option is a private mission with Vast to the ISS in 2025.
The UK Space Agency will support Vast in securing sponsorships to fund McFall’s flight. “It’s an exciting opportunity,” McFall said. He added, “We’re saying it’s OK for people with disabilities to be astronauts. We’ve demonstrated that it’s possible, that we’re open-minded enough to give people the opportunities to do this and recognise that they are equally capable.”
McFall emphasized the scientific and exploratory value of the mission, stating, “On a personal level, it’s about the challenge, the adventure, the intrigue. It’s quenching my curiosity for knowledge and science. And there’s also the craziness of it: the fact that we have the potential to have humans in space. To be part of that history is phenomenal.” He also said, “I want to be a good astronaut. I want to do my job well. That’s my priority. I don’t want it to be a PR stunt. I don’t want it to be a fad. I’m very happy to be a pioneer and do something new, but first and foremost, I want to do a good job and I want it to be of value, both for space exploration and for wider society back on Earth.”