European Space Agency names first disabled astronaut

European Space Agency names first disabled astronaut

Daily Current Affairs   /   European Space Agency names first disabled astronaut

Change Language English Hindi

Category : Science and Tech Published on: November 28 2022

Share on facebook
  • The European Space Agency has named the first ever “Parastronaut” in a major step towards allowing people with physical disabilities to work and live in space.
  • The 22-nation agency had selected former British Paralympic sprinter John McFall as part of a new generation of 17 recruits picked for astronaut training.
  • McFall, who lost his right leg due to a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, won a bronze medal in the 100 metres at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
  • McFall has worked as a trauma and orthopedic specialist in the south of England.
  • From the applicants, the ESA chose two women: France's Sophie Adenot and Britain's Rosemary Coogan.Adenot is a 40-year-old air helicopter test pilot with around 3,000 hours of flying experience, while Coogan, 31, has an astronomy doctorate from the University of Sussex. 
  • Spain's Pablo Alvarez Fernandez, Belgium's Raphael Liegeois and Switzerland's Marco Sieber were also selected for the new class.
Recent Post's

  • The Telangana government launched the Indiramma Family Life Insurance Scheme providing ₹5 lakh coverage to 1.15 crore families starting June 2, 2026.

    Read More....

  • The Prakriti 2026 conference in New Delhi introduced the Indian Carbon Market Portal to streamline carbon trading and climate action.

    Read More....

  • The traditional Kelbai ‘Peth’ Festival is being celebrated in Mulgao, Goa, featuring a sacred ritual journey of the deity to Mayem village.

    Read More....

  • Scientists identified the desert moss Syntrichia caninervis as a potential pioneer for Mars colonization due to its extreme resilience.

    Read More....

  • World Water Day 2026 was observed on March 22 with the theme "Water and Gender" to promote equitable access and management.

    Read More....

  • A new wild kiwi species, Actinidia indica, was discovered by the Botanical Survey of India in the Ziro Valley of Arunachal Pradesh.

    Read More....

  • The Indian government launched the PRARAMBH 2026 campaign to educate citizens about the new Income Tax Act, 2025, effective from April 1.

    Read More....

  • Pakistan ranked first in the Global Terrorism Index 2026 due to rising violence, while India stood at the 13th position.

    Read More....

  • The Madras High Court issued directives for the systematic removal of the invasive plant species Prosopis juliflora to restore Tamil Nadu's ecology.

    Read More....

  • The National Productivity Council (NPC) has been designated as the Environment Audit Designated Agency to monitor industrial compliance.

    Read More....