First Wheelchair User To Reach Suborbital Space

On December 20, a historic moment in space exploration is set to unfold as Michi Benthaus, an aerospace engineer, prepares to become the first wheelchair user to reach suborbital space. Benthaus will join five crewmates on board the New Shepard spacecraft, operated by Blue Origin, for a mission designated as NS-37. This launch marks a significant milestone, not only for Benthaus but also for the space industry, as it highlights the growing inclusivity and accessibility of space travel.

The New Shepard spacecraft, an autonomous and fully reusable rocket-capsule combination, is poised to cross the 62-mile-high Kármán line, a widely recognized boundary that demarcates the beginning of outer space. Upon successful completion of the mission, Benthaus and her crewmates will be awarded astronaut wings. This mission was initially scheduled for December 18 but was postponed due to technical issues.

However, with the revised launch window set to open at 9 a. m. EST on December 20, space enthusiasts can tune in to witness this groundbreaking event ___ on Space. com, courtesy of Blue Origin. The crew includes notable figures such as Koenigsmann, a veteran of the space industry who previously worked at SpaceX for nearly two decades.