European Space Agency names first disabled astronaut

European Space Agency names first disabled astronaut

Daily Current Affairs   /   European Space Agency names first disabled astronaut

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Category : Science and Tech Published on: November 28 2022

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  • 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.
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