Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old aerospace and mechatronics engineer from Germany, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first wheelchair user to travel beyond the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space. Her groundbreaking journey took place on March 30, 2024, aboard a Blue Origin New Shepard capsule, launching from the company’s facilities near Van Horn, Texas.
The mission, designated NS-37, marks the 16th suborbital space tourism launch by Blue Origin, a company founded by Jeff Bezos in 2000. The initiative aims to broaden access to space for individuals who do not fit the conventional image of astronauts. “I always wanted to go to space, but I never really considered it something which I could actually do,” said Benthaus in a pre-flight interview. Her determination to explore space grew stronger after a mountain biking accident in 2018 left her with a spinal cord injury.
During her approximately 10-minute flight, Benthaus and her five crewmates reached speeds exceeding three times the speed of sound, soaring past the Kármán Line. New Shepard is specifically designed to provide passengers with a few moments of weightlessness at the apex of the flight path before gravity pulls the capsule back to Earth. Benthaus planned to use a special strap to secure her legs while she exited her seat to enjoy the microgravity experience and take in the stunning view of Earth.
In her previous experiences, Benthaus had encountered microgravity during a parabolic training flight, which helped prepare her for this momentous occasion. She expressed her intention to focus on the breathtaking vistas rather than performing acrobatic maneuvers inside the cabin. “I want to see how this leg strap works — and if not, what could maybe be improved in the future,” she stated, emphasizing her commitment to enhancing the experience for potential future passengers with similar challenges.
As part of her journey, Benthaus is also raising funds for Wings for Life, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spinal cord injury research. Her flight not only represents a personal triumph but also serves as an inspiration to many who face physical challenges.
Accompanying Benthaus on this historic flight was Hans Koenigsmann, a former executive at SpaceX and a close friend. He was trained to assist her as needed during the mission, highlighting the collaborative spirit that underpins space travel.
Michaela Benthaus’s journey into space is a significant step forward in promoting inclusivity within the aerospace field. It challenges preconceived notions about who can participate in space exploration and sets a precedent for future missions. The successful completion of this flight not only fulfills Benthaus’s lifelong dream but also opens doors for further advancements in accessible space travel.
