John McFall's Pioneering Journey
Former Paralympic athlete John McFall has teamed up with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a groundbreaking study to explore whether individuals with physical disabilities can live and work in space.
Overcoming Challenges: Testing the Limits
"It's not for the faint-hearted or anyone who is claustrophobic," says McFall.
McFall is subjected to extreme gravitational forces (G-forces) in a giant centrifuge, simulating the intense acceleration and deceleration of a rocket launch. The higher the speed, the greater the G-force. "Today we'll go up to around 6G - six times the force of gravity," McFall explains.
Impact on Disability
As an amputee who lost his lower right leg in a motorcycle accident at 19, McFall's condition is being closely monitored. He usually wears a high-tech prosthetic leg, but it is removed to assess the impact of the centrifuge on his remaining limb.
"This is the first time we've had an amputee in the centrifuge," says ESA flight surgeon Maybritt Kuypers. "The astronaut essentially lies on their back in a seated position, which will affect blood flow, including in the leg. We're curious to see how this affects him, but so far it's going very well."
Embracing the Unknown
McFall has put his career as an orthopedic surgeon on hold to pursue astronaut training, moving from the UK to the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany. While a spaceflight berth is not guaranteed, the study will examine the parameters for making it a reality—including spacecraft, spacesuits, and McFall's different prosthetics.
Running in Space
A former Paralympic sprinter, running is an essential part of McFall's life. Maintaining fitness in space is crucial for preserving muscle mass and bone density.
Using a special anti-gravity treadmill that recreates the microgravity conditions of the International Space Station (ISS), McFall observes that his feet are over-stiffening. "I've noticed my foot is very rigid," he says. "Because I'm lighter and putting less force through my foot, it's bending less and therefore giving me less spring."
Adapting Prosthetics
McFall believes he'll need a more flexible prosthetic leg, but the story doesn't end there. In a parabolic flight last year, McFall's first experience with weightlessness showed that his high-tech prosthesis would require further adaptation. In fact, McFall speculates he may need an entire wardrobe of prosthetic legs on the ISS. "There'll be a running leg, a spare robotic leg, and a mechanical leg that can be worn inside the spacesuit for launch and re-entry," he says. "I'm going to need a prosthetic leg wardrobe."
Inclusivity in Space: ESA's Mission
ESA is the first space agency to undertake such a project. Previously, McFall's disability may have prevented him from becoming an astronaut, but Frank De Winne, Head of the European Astronaut Center, aims to change that. "We thought this was a fantastic opportunity because we have so much talent out there—disabled people like John," says De Winne. "Why don't we try to use that for great missions, like space exploration?"
Family Support: Embracing the Adventure
Relocating to Germany has been a significant adjustment for McFall's wife, Sonia, a former Olympic gymnast, and their three young children. Over dinner, the kids chatter excitedly about their father's new job. Their eldest son, Fin, marvels at the idea of his dad leaving his medical practice for a career that could take him into the "black, empty space" of space.
Sonia believes John's new career path is a perfect fit. "The big thing in our family is trying to grab opportunities when they come," she says. "And I think this is an opportunity that he has grabbed with both hands. I hope it leads to a spaceflight, which would be the ultimate goal and would show everybody that it's possible."
Looking Ahead with Optimism
Emerging from the centrifuge with a thumbs-up, McFall is enthusiastic about the project's progress. "It's been fantastic," he says. "And do you know what? I didn't even notice my right leg all the way through that. It was probably the most comfortable I've been, so it's certainly showing promise for the study."
McFall has completed half of the project and has yet to encounter any insurmountable barriers. "I hope it does open people's minds and knowledge of what's possible with disability," he says. "But I also hope that people just see me as John. Because I'm just John, who happens to be an amputee, who wants to be an astronaut. That's the message we're trying to share."
Summary
John McFall's pioneering journey as the first disabled astronaut candidate is opening up new possibilities for space exploration. Through rigorous testing and collaboration with ESA, McFall is challenging the boundaries of what is considered possible in space, paving the way for greater inclusivity and diversity in the astronaut corps. The project not only tests the physical and technological challenges of spaceflight for individuals with disabilities but also highlights the importance of embracing the unique talents and perspectives of all potential astronauts.