John McFall's children are thrilled. Not because their father has just been selected for a revolutionary space mission, but because he promised them a dog that will come to him after the launch.
«"I may have mentioned before that if I go into space they'll let me have a dog," said the Briton, who is aiming to become the first disabled astronaut.
«"Unfortunately, my youngest daughter is very fixated on this. She doesn't care that I go to space; the only reason she wants me to go to space is so I can get a dog.".
He also said his hard work in the NHS had "toughened him up" and prepared him for the challenges of being in space.
This week, the UK Space Agency announced a partnership with Californian space habitat company Vast to raise funds for a mission to send Mr McFall to Haven-1, its new space station, scheduled to launch next year.
The 45-year-old father of three, born in Surrey and raised in Somerset, had part of his right leg amputated in a motorbike accident at the age of 19.
Two years ago, he was cleared to go into space after a two-year study showed that his prosthetic leg would not interfere with his ability to perform all of his duties, and that the materials contained in the prosthesis would not pollute the air in any module in which it resided.
John won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games - Andrew Wong/Getty
After learning to run again, he became a professional athlete, winning bronze at the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games in the 100m T42 category, and later trained as a surgeon.
Mr McFall had been living with his wife and three children in Cologne, Germany, home to the European Space Agency's astronaut training centre, but will return to the UK in September to continue his work as a trauma and orthopaedic resident physician with the NHS in Portsmouth.
He believes the UK's National Health Service (NHS) is an ideal testing ground for space skills.
«"Being a doctor and training in medicine is challenging, and going through this process really prepares you for working in challenging environments, under pressure, and with long, irregular hours," he said.
«After taking a break from my medical career, looking back and reflecting on it, I realize how much it helped me on my journey ahead, and I am incredibly proud to be a physician and surgeon.».
«"Every astronaut should go to work for the National Health Service.".
Mr McFall lived in Germany to prepare for space flight - Jamie Lorriman
His medical background also makes him an ideal candidate to perform previously untested procedures in space.
In microgravity, astronauts develop a condition called space neuroocular syndrome, in which fluid in the body rises, leading to swelling of the optic nerve and vision damage.
«"Really, the only way to fully understand the pressure changes is to perhaps perform a lumbar puncture or lumbar puncture, so having a medically trained professional who can do that is a unique opportunity," Mr McFall said.
«"If we think about where we're going to be in 50 to 100 years when we're exploring deep space, we're going to need medical and surgical services, so I'm certainly interested in the possibility of performing surgery in space in the future.".
If funding is secured, Mr. McFall will conduct groundbreaking research in human physiology, microgravity prosthetics, and low-Earth orbit locomotion.
The findings could have significant benefits for people with disabilities on Earth, such as developing lighter and more comfortable prosthetics.
The mission's success depends on finding sponsors, which could be pharmaceutical or engineering companies willing to conduct experiments in microgravity conditions, or firms seeking to deploy their products in space.
That would make Mr. McFall not only the first working astronaut with a disability, but also the first commercial astronaut, whose spacesuit would perhaps feature sponsor logos, like Formula One drivers.
Mr McFall training during the parabolic flight where he experienced weightlessness for the first time - Tony Jolliffe
And after reaching low Earth orbit, Mr. McFall set his sights on the Moon.
«"I hope that's the next possible destination. I'd really like to go there," he said.
«"When you talk about physical disability, especially my disability—a lower limb amputation—the phrase 'landing on the moon,' what would that mean to a person with limited mobility, to a person trying to walk on the moon?"„
These days, family life keeps him grounded, and despite his astronaut status and numerous medals, he says he is most proud of his wife, son and two daughters.
«"It's funny, my kids go to a school where four astronaut parents once attended. It's kind of normal for them," he said.
«"But most of all, I'm proud of my family. I think starting and raising a family is perhaps the greatest challenge because it requires daily consistency, attention, and thought, and yes, it's definitely more challenging than space.".
The first Haven-1 mission will bring four crews, or four astronauts, to the space station for two-week stays. They will arrive aboard SpaceX's Crew Dragon spacecraft.
The British Space Agency also hopes to carry out an all-British mission in partnership with Axiom Space, which could be led by Tim Peake, a former British astronaut.
Next week, NASA will announce which astronauts have been selected for next year's Artemis III mission, which will test landers for return to the lunar surface.
«"There's a lot of excitement at the astronaut training center right now because there's so much going on in human spaceflight," added Mr. McFall, who hopes his story will inspire people with disabilities to follow their dreams.
«"I followed what was very innate in me. It was an inner passion, an inner curiosity, an inner drive to explore.".
«"So I would advise you to fully immerse yourself in what truly fascinates you. It's not about achieving goals, but about self-discovery and understanding yourself. And this comes through exploration, discovering what truly motivates you, what interests you, and overcoming your own challenges.".
«"Achievement isn't just winning or losing medals or going to space. It's what you're most proud of in your life.".
Companies interested in supporting Mr. McFall's mission can contact us at fly@vastspace.com.
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