Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Amazon’s Jeff Bezos, successfully launched its New Shepard NS-37 mission on December 20, 2025, marking a significant milestone in space travel by sending the first wheelchair user, Michaela Benthaus, into space. The mission, which took place from Blue Origin’s launch site in West Texas, is being hailed as a breakthrough in making space travel more inclusive.
Michaela Benthaus, a 29-year-old engineer and advocate for disability rights, has been a vocal proponent of accessibility in the aerospace industry. She was selected for this historic flight as part of Blue Origin’s ongoing efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in space exploration. Benthaus, who uses a wheelchair due to a spinal cord injury, expressed her excitement prior to the launch, stating that the opportunity to travel to space was a dream come true and a chance to inspire others with disabilities.
The NS-37 mission lifted off at 10:00 AM CST, carrying a crew of six, including Benthaus and five other space tourists. The flight lasted approximately 10 minutes, reaching an altitude of over 66 miles (106 kilometers) above Earth, where the crew experienced a few minutes of weightlessness before safely returning to the ground. The capsule landed successfully, marking another successful mission for Blue Origin’s New Shepard program, which has completed 30 flights since its inception.
This launch is significant not only for Benthaus but also for the broader conversation about accessibility in space travel. Historically, space exploration has been dominated by individuals without disabilities, and the inclusion of a wheelchair user in a commercial spaceflight represents a shift toward a more equitable approach to space tourism. Blue Origin’s decision to include Benthaus in this mission underscores the company’s commitment to expanding access to space for individuals from diverse backgrounds.
The implications of this mission extend beyond the immediate achievement of sending a wheelchair user into space. It raises important questions about the future of space travel and the potential for individuals with disabilities to participate in this emerging industry. As commercial spaceflight becomes more prevalent, the need for accessible technology and infrastructure will become increasingly important. Companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX are beginning to recognize the importance of inclusivity, which could pave the way for more individuals with disabilities to experience space travel in the future.
The journey to this milestone has been marked by a series of developments in the aerospace industry aimed at improving accessibility. In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the need for inclusive practices in various sectors, including technology and transportation. The space industry has begun to take note, with initiatives aimed at ensuring that individuals with disabilities are not left behind as commercial space travel evolves.
Michaela Benthaus’s participation in the NS-37 mission is part of a larger trend toward inclusivity in space exploration. In 2021, the European Space Agency announced plans to recruit astronauts with disabilities, aiming to create a more diverse astronaut corps. Similarly, NASA has been working on projects to ensure that its facilities and programs are accessible to all individuals, regardless of their physical abilities.
The successful launch of Benthaus into space is expected to inspire a new generation of engineers, scientists, and explorers with disabilities. It serves as a reminder that space is not just for the able-bodied, but for everyone who dreams of exploring the cosmos. As the commercial space industry continues to grow, the inclusion of individuals with disabilities could lead to innovative solutions and advancements in technology that benefit all of humanity.
In conclusion, Blue Origin’s NS-37 mission represents a significant step forward in making space travel more inclusive. By sending Michaela Benthaus, the first wheelchair user, into space, the company has not only achieved a historic milestone but has also opened the door for future advancements in accessibility within the aerospace industry. As the landscape of space exploration continues to evolve, the importance of inclusivity will remain a critical factor in shaping the future of human spaceflight.
