Archive · 26 Dec 2025
Paraplegic Engineer First Wheelchair User in Space
Michaela Benthaus, a German engineer who uses a wheelchair, recently became the first person with a disability to go to space.
She traveled with Blue Origin, a company owned by Jeff Bezos.
Michaela was injured in a bike accident seven years ago and thought she would never be able to go to space.
But with the help of her friend Hans Koenigsmann, she got the chance to experience weightlessness and see Earth from above.
The spaceship was designed to be accessible, with features like a special board to help her move and a carpet to roll her wheelchair on after landing.
Michaela hopes her trip will inspire more people with disabilities to dream big and show that space can be for everyone.
Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer from Germany, became the first wheelchair user to go to space.
She launched with Blue Origin from West Texas, accompanied by Hans Koenigsmann, a retired SpaceX executive.
The New Shepard capsule was designed with accessibility features to accommodate Benthaus.
Benthaus experienced over three minutes of weightlessness and expressed her excitement about the journey.
She aims to promote accessibility in space and on Earth for people with disabilities.
- Who
- Michaela Benthaus, a paraplegic engineer from Germany
- What
- First wheelchair user to go to space
- When
- Saturday (specific date not mentioned)
- Where
- West Texas
- Why
- To experience space and promote accessibility for people with disabilities
- Name
- Michaela Benthaus
- Occupation
- Engineer
- Nationality
- German
- Company
- Blue Origin
- Launch Location
- West Texas
- Flight Duration
- 10 minutes
- Accompanied By
- Hans Koenigsmann
- Accessibility Features
- Patient transfer board, elevator, carpet for wheelchair access
