At first we investigated how my disabilities and prosthesis might affect my ability to meet the requirements during flight. At a later stage we went into more detail, to the point where we determined, for example, whether I should be required to apply a prosthesis in space, because legs are rarely used there.
In conclusion, I can say that although I will need a prosthesis at some stages, disabilities such as mine are fully compatible with the needs of space travel. I am very elated to say that we have not identified any obstacles that would prevent someone with disabilities such as mine from participating in a long-term space mission. This has an incredibly positive outcome.
Why is it critical for people with disabilities to also be able to operate in space? And what specific disabilities are we talking about?
I’ll start with the second question. Fly! looked at a specific disability group, the lower limb disability. Based on the results, I think we can extrapolate different variables in this group that are consistent with long-term space missions. We have to proceed step by step, starting from the basics, and I’m sure that starting with lower limb disability was a good choice. I hope that soon we can focus on other disabilities, which will allow me to answer the first part of the question: Why is this critical?
ESA recognizes that talented people come from all walks of life—gender, ethnicity, physical ability. There are people around the world who could make valuable contributions to human space exploration. Of course, that means becoming astronauts.
And the experience and knowledge of people with physical disabilities can bring modern and valuable ideas, different ways of thinking, motivation, inspiration. For this to happen, everyone must have a fair representation in the staff, with appropriate positions and professional roles. This is the goal, and ESA is working to achieve it.
The Polaris Dawn mission is set to launch from Cape Canaveral in September and will include the first spacewalk by non-professional astronauts. What do you think?
They are inspiring and no less critical in the landscape of human space exploration because every time these missions become a reality, they assist add to the knowledge we have as a community. Polaris Dawn is doing modern science; testing modern technologies. That’s why I have such great respect for private astronauts and their missions—they make a significant contribution to the development of our space activities.
When are you going to space?
I would like to travel beyond the atmosphere. I hope I will have the opportunity, but most of all I hope that sooner or later someone with a physical disability will be able to do so, fully integrated with the activities on the International Space Station.
As for the timing, I hope that by the end of this decade it will happen. As for me, if I ever get the chance to go to space, it won’t be before 2027. But nothing is confirmed and I’m keeping my fingers crossed at the moment.