Kent-based Blue Origin flies wheelchair user into space for first time
Published 10:20 am Monday, December 22, 2025
Kent-based Blue Origin completed its 37th flight of the New Shepard program on Saturday, Dec. 20 with a crew of six, including the first time a wheelchair user has flown above the Kármán Line, the internationally recognized boundary of space.
Michaela (Michi) Benthausan, an aerospace and mechatronics engineer at the European Space Agency based in Paris with staff around the world, was involved in a 2018 mountain biking accident that resulted in a spinal cord injury impacting her ability to walk, according to Blue Origin.
“Undeterred, she has continued to pursue her passion for access and advocate for greater access to space,” according to Blue Origin.
New Shepard launched from West Texas and spent about 10 minutes in space. The rest of the crew included Joey Hyde, Hans Koenigsmann, Neal Milch, Adonis Pouroulis and Jason Stansell. People pay Blue Origin to fly into space and some crew members flights are sponsored by others.
New Shepard has flown 92 people (86 individuals) into space, with several people flying more than once.
“NS-37 marks our ninth flight of the year and sets the stage for an increase in New Shepard flight rate in 2026 and beyond,” said Phil Joyce, senior vice president of New Shepard. “This crew exemplifies the breadth and diversity of people who can now experience spaceflight, from engineers and scientists to entrepreneurs, teachers, and investors from all over the world. Each brings their unique perspective and passion for exploration. Michi’s flight is particularly meaningful, demonstrating that space is for everyone, and we are proud to help her achieve this dream.”
New Shepard was designed with accessibility in mind, according to Blue Origin. The vehicle is autonomous and features elevator access on the launch tower, making spaceflight accessible to a wider range of people. Including Saturday’s flight, New Shepard has flown astronauts who are wheelchair users, hard of hearing, have limited mobility or limb differences, have low vision, or are legally blind.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos started Blue Origin in Kent in 2000.
