Photo credits: Novespace and ESA
A landmark UK-US space agreement paves the way for the former Paralympian to conduct pioneering research aboard Haven-1.
British astronaut John McFall could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit. The UK Space Agency has signed an agreement with space company Vast to explore mission sponsorship for McFall. Under the proposal, he could join a flight to the Haven-1 space station as early as 2027.
Haven-1 is a planned commercial space station being developed by American aerospace company Vast. Scheduled to launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the single-module station will serve as a microgravity laboratory for scientific research, technological testing, and commercial missions.
John is also a former Paralympic sprinter and NHS surgeon. He lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19. The European Space Agency selected him in 2022 for its ground-breaking Fly! Project – a study assessing how physical disabilities can be accommodated safely on long-duration space missions. Last year, doctors medically cleared John for long-duration missions. He would also be the first British astronaut in space since Tim Peake in 2015.
Aboard Haven-1, John will conduct research and test how prosthetics adapt to zero gravity. He will also study human movement, balance, and muscle changes in microgravity. This work could improve prosthetics, amputee rehabilitation, and treatments for muscle loss.
John said the mission would show what disabled people can achieve. Beyond his flight, the UK-US partnership creates opportunities for wider space collaboration. It will link British businesses and researchers directly to new space infrastructure.