EVER wondered what it's like to be an astronaut? Well, it requires a whole lot of ground work, literally . Before a handful of skilled humans get launched into space, they must undergo rigorous training, from navigating microgravity to winter survival. 10 British astronaut-in-training John McFall in a mockup of the International Space Station (ISS) at the European Space Agency base in Cologne Credit: ESA–P.
Sebirot 10 McFall experiencing microgravity Credit: ESA 10 McFall is the first astronaut candidate with a physical disability Hopeful astronaut-to-be, John McFall, is one of four training for a stint on the International Space Station (ISS) at the European Space Agency's (ESA) base in Cologne, Germany this year. While there's no guarantee McFall, or any of his cohort, will ever see past the Karman line, they will be based in Cologne for at least a year to attend the official school of astronauts. Unlike his cohort, McFall has actually been based in Cologne since June 2023 to take part in ESA's Fly! Feasibility study.
He is the first astronaut candidate with a physical disability. READ MORE ON SPACE SPACE HOPPER The easy 1-minute exercise inspired by astronauts that boosts life expectancy SPACE BASE Inside Nasa’s floating Gateway Moon base for daring 2030s 'South Pole' missions The former Paralympian and orthopaedic surgeon was selected in 2022 to work on a ground-breaking study to see if he can go to space safely. McFall is an amputee, and lost the lower part of his ri.