German Engineer Michaela Becomes First Wheelchair User To Go Into Space

On December 20, 2025, German engineer Michaela Benthaus fulfilled a lifelong dream of leaving her wheelchair behind to float in space and gaze at Earth from above. 

Severely injured in a mountain bike accident seven years ago, Benthaus (33) became the first wheelchair user to travel to space, launching from West Texas aboard Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin rocket. 

She was joined by five other passengers, including



retired SpaceX executive Hans Koenigsmann, also from Germany, who helped organize and sponsor her trip alongside Blue Origin, though the ticket prices were not disclosed.

Benthaus described the experience, “It was the coolest experience,” she said after landing, recalling how she laughed throughout the flight and even attempted to turn upside down in weightlessness. The capsule soared more than 65 miles above Earth during the 10‑minute journey.