Blue Origin launches wheelchair-user and 5 others on sub-orbital trip to space

December 21, 2025

TL;DR

Michaela Benthaus, a wheelchair-using engineer and handicap advocate, was launched to the edge of space by Blue Origin.
The 10-minute flight provided Benthaus with a few minutes of weightlessness over 65 miles above Earth.
Hans Koenigsmann, a former SpaceX manager, assisted Benthaus during the flight.
Benthaus was able to enter the capsule from her wheelchair with provided assistance.
The New Shepard booster and capsule successfully landed, with Benthaus being the last crew member to exit.
Benthaus expressed gratitude and hopes her flight inspires more handicapped individuals to pursue space travel.
The article discusses the challenges and potential benefits of including astronauts with disabilities in long-duration space missions.

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