A British Paralympian and surgeon, John McFall, could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit if Haven-1, Vast’s new low‑Earth‑orbit space station under construction in California, proceeds with a proposed 2027 launch.

McFall was selected for the European Space Agency’s astronaut program in 2022 and was medically cleared for a long‑duration mission last year, marking him as a trailblazer for inclusive spaceflight.

His research aims to advance understanding of osteoporosis and muscle wastage in microgravity, with potential benefits for disabled people through more adaptable prosthetics and rehabilitation programs.

Haven‑1 is described as a state‑of‑the‑art, human‑centric space station that will host an innovation lab for private and government missions, signaling growth in commercial space stations and inclusive research opportunities.

UK space minister’s office has publicly supported the mission and highlighted its emphasis on inclusivity in spaceflight.

UKSA coordinates potential sponsorship and navigates regulatory requirements to demonstrate inclusive human spaceflight and expand collaboration with the United States in research, technology, education, and public engagement.

The mission would use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon for transport and depends on Haven‑1’s launch next year, with sponsorships intended to cover the full mission cost.

Haven‑1 is designed to house up to four astronauts, featuring a maplewood interior, a domed Earth observation window, and a microgravity laboratory for research, developed with UK–US partnerships.

Vast CEO Max Haot emphasizes collaboration with the UK government to expand access to space, promote crew inclusivity, and enable medical research that benefits humanity.

The mission will pursue pioneering research in human physiology, musculoskeletal adaptation, prosthetics performance in microgravity, and how people move and balance in space.

McFall notes his family remains grounded and humorously hopes for a family dog if he goes to space, underscoring personal considerations alongside scientific aims.

This initiative would mark the first British astronaut in space since Tim Peake’s 2016 ISS mission, signaling a potential revival of UK presence in human spaceflight.