Get ready to witness history in the making: for the very first time, a wheelchair user is set to soar into space, shattering barriers and redefining what's possible. But here's where it gets groundbreaking—Blue Origin’s upcoming mission will propel Michaela 'Michi' Benthaus, an aerospace and mechatronics engineer who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury, beyond the Kármán line—the internationally recognized boundary of space, 62 miles above Earth. This isn’t just a flight; it’s a testament to human resilience and the boundless potential of inclusivity in space exploration.
On Thursday, Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket will carry Benthaus, alongside five other remarkable individuals, on a suborbital journey that promises to inspire millions. And this is the part most people miss—New Shepard is a fully reusable spacecraft, designed to require less maintenance between flights, making space travel more sustainable and cost-effective. This mission, dubbed NS-37, marks Blue Origin’s 16th human flight, bringing the total number of people they’ve sent beyond the Kármán line to 86.
Benthaus, who works for the European Space Agency, has dedicated her career to advancing interplanetary exploration through scientific collaboration. Since her life-altering mountain biking accident in 2018, she’s become a fierce advocate for accessibility in space. Her journey includes a Zero-G research flight in 2022—nicknamed the 'Vomit Comet'—and an analog astronaut mission simulating space activities on Earth. Outside of her groundbreaking work, she’s an avid athlete, excelling in wheelchair tennis.
Now, let’s meet the rest of the trailblazing crew:
- Joel Hyde, a physicist, quantitative investor, and retired hedge fund partner, whose passion for space was ignited by witnessing the launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis in 1988. He holds a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and resides in Florida with his family.
- Hans Koenigsmann, a German-American aerospace engineer renowned for his work on reusable spacecraft and launch vehicles. A SpaceX veteran, he continues to shape the industry through advisory roles, including at Blue Origin.
- Neal Milch, a business executive and entrepreneur, currently chairing the Board of Trustees at Jackson Laboratory, where he champions genetic research to improve human health.
- Adonis Pouroulis, an entrepreneur and mining engineer with over 30 years of experience in natural resources and energy. He leads companies like Pella Resources and Chariot Limited, driving innovation in energy technologies.
- Jason Stansell, a space enthusiast from West Texas with a computer science degree from Tulane University. His flight honors his late brother, Kevin, who passed away from brain cancer in 2016.
But here’s the controversial question: As space tourism becomes more accessible, should there be stricter regulations to ensure inclusivity and affordability for all, or should it remain a privilege for the few? Let’s spark a debate in the comments—what’s your take?
Unlike orbital missions by SpaceX or NASA, New Shepard’s suborbital flights offer a brief but exhilarating experience, crossing the Kármán line before returning to Earth in just 10 to 12 minutes. During this time, the crew will enjoy several minutes of microgravity—a once-in-a-lifetime sensation.
The historic flight is scheduled to launch from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas on Thursday at 9:30 a.m. ET. This mission isn’t just about reaching space; it’s about redefining who gets to explore it. So, as we count down to this monumental moment, ask yourself: What barriers in your own life are ready to be broken? The stars are no longer the limit—they’re just the beginning.
