Woman in wheelchair makes first flight into space VIDEO

Michaela (Michi) Benthaus, a 33-year-old German citizen, has become the first wheelchair user to fly above the Kármán line—the internationally recognised boundary of space—aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft.

The suborbital flight took place on December 20, marking the 37th New Shepard launch and the ninth of 2025. The 10-minute 26-second mission reached an altitude of 106 kilometres (66 miles) above Earth, Caliber.Az reports, citing the website of the American astronautics company Blue Origin.

Space is for everyone. pic.twitter.com/OUs4V2LURA

— Blue Origin (@blueorigin) December 20, 2025

Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President of the program, highlighted the mission’s significance:

“This crew exemplifies the breadth and diversity of people who can now experience spaceflight, from engineers and scientists to entrepreneurs, teachers, and investors from all over the world. Each brings their unique perspective and passion for exploration. Michi's flight is particularly meaningful, demonstrating that space is for everyone, and we are proud to help her achieve this dream,” Joyce said.  

New Shepard was designed with accessibility in mind. The spacecraft is fully autonomous and equipped with an elevator at the launch pad to accommodate passengers with disabilities.

Benthaus, an engineer at the European Space Agency specializing in aerospace and mechatronics, sustained a spinal cord injury in a cycling accident in 2018. Despite her injury, she remains active in sports, including wheelchair tennis.

By Khagan Isayev