Archive · 22 Dec 2025
Michaela Benthaus becomes first 'Parastronaut' in space
Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old German aerospace engineer, made history by becoming the first wheelchair user to go to space.
She traveled aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket on December 20th.
Michaela reached an altitude of 105 kilometers, which is the edge of outer space.
She experienced weightlessness and enjoyed breathtaking views of Earth.
Michaela had a spinal cord injury seven years ago but didn’t let it stop her from pursuing her dreams.
She was accompanied by Hans Koenigsmann, a former SpaceX executive.
This mission shows that space can be inclusive and that people with disabilities can also be astronauts.
Michaela hopes her journey will inspire others to never give up on their dreams.
Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old German aerospace engineer, became the first wheelchair user to travel to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket.
The flight reached an altitude of 105 kilometers, crossing the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of outer space.
Benthaus experienced several minutes of weightlessness and enjoyed breathtaking views of Earth during the 11-minute suborbital flight.
Blue Origin made minor modifications to the capsule, including a patient transfer board and a specialized strap, to ensure her safety and mobility.
Benthaus was accompanied by Hans Koenigsmann, a former SpaceX executive, who acted as her designated emergency helper.
- Who
- Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old German aerospace engineer and wheelchair user
- What
- First wheelchair user to travel to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket
- When
- 20th December
- Where
- Launched from a private site in West Texas
- Why
- To promote inclusivity in space exploration and demonstrate that high-performance spaceflight is possible without traditional physical requirements
- Name
- Michaela Benthaus
- Age
- 33
- Occupation
- Aerospace Engineer
- Organization
- European Space Agency (ESA)
- Flight Date
- 20th December
- Rocket
- Blue Origin’s New Shepard
- Flight Duration
- 11 minutes
- Altitude Reached
- 105 kilometers