British Paralympian Selected for Possible Space Station Mission

A British Paralympic medalist is scheduled to become the first disabled man to live on a space station under an agreement between the UK Space Agency and the company Vast. The station, Haven-1, is planned for launch in less than one year and would be the first privately funded laboratory placed in orbit.

Background on the Selection The 45-year-old sprinter lost his right leg in a motorbike accident in Thailand in 2000. After winning a bronze medal at the 2008 Paralympic Games in Beijing, he studied medicine at Cardiff University and now works as a surgeon for the National Health Service.

He was selected by the European Space Agency from 257 disabled applicants for its Fly! Project, which aims to expand opportunities for people with disabilities in the space sector.

" A former British astronaut called the agreement "a landmark moment for inclusive human spaceflight" and said it could bring the selected individual one step closer to space. Space Minister Liz Lloyd said the agreement moves the project closer to making history and demonstrates that space is for everyone.