Severely injured in a mountain bike accident seven years ago, Michaela Benthaus became the first wheelchair user to launch to space, soaring from West Texas with Jeff Bezos’ company Blue Origin. For Ms Benthaus, Blue Origin added a patient transfer board so she could scoot between the capsule’s hatch and her seat. She practised in advance, with Mr Koenigsmann taking part with the design and testing. pic.twitter.com/HusttrnUiQ — Blue Origin (@blueorigin) December 20, 2025Less than two years later, she took part in a two-week simulated space mission in Poland. Besides Mr Koenigsmann, Ms Benthaus shared the ride with business executives and investors, and a computer scientist.

Source: The Herald December 20, 2025 21:00 UTC