Paralympian-turned-astronaut visits Jodrell Bank
A Paralympian-turned-astronaut recently paid a visit to Cheshire.
Jodrell Bank hosted European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut reserve, John McFall, earlier this week.
Having lost his right leg in a motorcycle accident at age 19, John went on to become a Paralympic medallist and qualified doctor.
In 2022 he was selected by the ESA to join a study exploring how astronauts with physical disabilities can contribute to long-duration space missions.
John said: "There were quite a few reasons why I wanted to apply to be an astronaut with the ESA, but I think at the core of that was the fact that ESA were asking this brave and bold question, challenging people's preconceptions about who could be a professional astronaut.
"And for me, as someone with a disability, I thought that was a real challenge and an awesome potential contribution that I could make in changing the narrative surrounding disability."
John, who is now medically cleared for potential missions to the International Space Station, continued: "I'd say to anyone who wants to have a career in space, in science, technology, engineering, whatever it may be, do what you are passionate about.
"Go out and do what excites you because if you like doing it, it's not going to be difficult for you to excel and get out of bed every morning to go and do it. Do what you enjoy."
During his visit to Jodrell Bank on Tuesday (July 15), John on a series of interactive workshops with local schools and enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Lovell Telescope.
Later in the day, he joined Teresa Anderson, director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, for a discussion, sharing his insights into biomechanics and physical adaptation in space as well as the next steps for human spaceflight.
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