![John McFall, first astronaut with a disability, cleared for space station mission](https://decode11.com/media/2025/02/msid-118263462imgsize-49602-uZmXN9-1024x576.jpeg)
John McFall, a British surgeon and former Paralympian, has been cleared for a long-duration mission onboard the International Space Station, making him the first-ever astronaut with a physical disability. McFall, who lost a leg in a motorbike accident, has been applauded for this significant cultural shift. ESA’s announcement underscores commitment to inclusivity, despite recent DEI challenges.