Historic Spaceflight Achieved
On December 20, 2025, a significant event unfolded in West Texas as Blue Origin successfully launched its New Shepard rocket, carrying Michaela "Michi" Benthaus beyond the Kármán line. This mission, designated NS-37, established Benthaus as the inaugural individual with mobility requirements to journey into space.
Mission Details and Crew
The autonomous capsule departed from Launch Site One near Van Horn, transporting Benthaus alongside five fellow crew members: former SpaceX executive Hans Koenigsmann, investor Joey Hyde, entrepreneur Neal Milch, mining executive Adonis Pouroulis, and computer scientist Jason Stansell. The suborbital flight lasted approximately 10 minutes, ascending to over 65 miles in altitude, where the crew experienced several minutes of weightlessness before descending via parachute to the desert.
Accessibility and Accommodations
Benthaus, a 33-year-old German aerospace engineer with the European Space Agency who became paralyzed following a 2018 mountain biking accident, required minimal adjustments for the flight. These included a transfer board for seating and a post-landing carpet to facilitate wheelchair access. Blue Origin engineer Jake Mills emphasized that the capsule's design inherently prioritized accessibility, rendering it more inclusive than conventional spacecraft.
Blue Origin stated, "Michi’s flight is particularly meaningful, demonstrating that space is for everyone, and we are proud to help her achieve this dream."
In an interview, Benthaus expressed, "I am excited to show the world that also wheelchair users can go on a suborbital flight, and I’m really happy that Blue Origin is supporting this."
Broader Implications
This achievement not only marks a personal milestone for Benthaus but also underscores broader economic and inspirational impacts. For residents in areas like Dallas, such launches generate economic benefits through local supply chains and foster interest in STEM education, coinciding with projections of substantial job growth in the aerospace sector over the coming decade.
Hans Koenigsmann, who sponsored Benthaus and acted as her emergency assistant, aided in her exit from the capsule post-landing. Blue Origin has previously accommodated passengers with various limitations, including visual or hearing impairments and individuals aged 90, reinforcing its commitment to inclusivity. Benthaus aims to leverage her experience to advocate for enhanced accessibility both on Earth and in future space endeavors.
