How can space agencies and “space tourism” companies make spaceflight more inclusive for disabled astronauts?
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Historically, spaceflight was limited to government-sponsored astronauts who had to comply with rigorous physical, cognitive, psychological, and social criteria for selection. However, this landscape has been evolving in recent times.
In September 2024, two civilian astronauts achieved the first privately funded spacewalk, utilizing the Crew Dragon spacecraft engineered by Elon Musk’s SpaceX. Additionally, the Houston-based private entity Axiom Space is conducting regular flights to the International Space Station (ISS), accommodating a mix of government-funded astronauts and paying clients.
In recent years, close to 100 individuals have embarked on journeys as private astronauts, thanks to space tourism enterprises like Blue Origin, run by Jeff Bezos, and Virgin Galactic, established by Sir Richard Branson. While the cost of a ticket on these spacecraft remains prohibitively high for many, it is anticipated that prices will decrease as new entrants join the market.
Even with the swift increase in space travelers, marginalized groups, especially individuals with disabilities, continue to be overlooked. The pressing question is how space agencies and “space tourism” companies can enhance accessibility for disabled astronauts.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has recently welcomed John McFall, who lost his right leg at the age of 19, as the first disabled astronaut in history. McFall, a surgeon and former Paralympic sprinter, will take part in a feasibility study aimed at gaining insights into, and addressing, the challenges that spaceflight poses for astronauts with physical disabilities.
The latest selection of astronauts by Esa comprised entirely of individuals from a white European background, highlighting the distance still to cover in terms of diversity. However, the decision to recruit McFall signifies an important step toward fostering an inclusive atmosphere in space exploration.
Designing effective systems that accommodate individuals with disabilities has always posed a significant challenge on Earth, and space introduces an entirely different set of parameters. The unique requirements of space travel necessitate that we cannot merely presume that conventional modifications and assistive technologies will function efficiently beyond our planet’s atmosphere. Thus, increasing the inclusivity of space travel demands a careful examination of each step involved in the journey to space.
The astronaut training program is intricate, designed to replicate the conditions of space and equip candidates with the skills to excel in the diverse situations they may face while in orbit. Unfortunately, the majority of current training facilities often lack the necessary accommodations for individuals with physical or sensory challenges.
For instance, to board the arc-flying plane that mimics microgravity, often called the “vomit comet,” astronauts face the challenge of navigating a flight of stairs, which can be problematic for individuals with mobility impairments. Paradoxically, disabilities that limit stair usage on Earth may pose fewer issues in the weightlessness of space.
Another critical area to consider is the design of spacecraft and space suits. The suits currently used on the ISS were primarily designed for male astronauts, forcing female astronauts to adapt to existing gear. This has resulted in complications as the number of women in space has increased.
In 2019, NASA had to delay the first all-female spacewalk because the suit’s torso was too large for one of the participants. The Moon suit created by Axiom Space in partnership with the Italian fashion label Prada represents progress toward inclusivity, featuring anthropometric sizing to suit a diverse group of astronauts. Nevertheless, future astronauts with disabilities may still find it challenging if they have distinct limb configurations or issues with dexterity.
Interestingly, the new SpaceX Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA) suits incorporate a concept known as “embedded modularity,” which allows each segment of the suit to be tailored to the specific astronaut, seamlessly integrating all parts. While designed to enhance joint movement, these suits offer a promising opportunity to assist astronauts with limb differences.
Adaptable suits might feature a single integrated leg component for those who experience paralysis, along with detachable elements for individuals with limb variations. Haptic gloves could deliver tactile sensations within the space suit, benefiting astronauts with limb differences.
For people with visual impairments, the integration of augmented reality (AR) heads-up displays (see-through screens that project data over their surroundings) and AI-driven image-to-voice programs to convert visual cues into spoken descriptions could significantly improve their experience.
Support technologies akin to the “Be My Eyes” app, which connects sighted volunteers with visually impaired users to assist with navigating their environments, may also prove valuable in space suits.
A frequently underestimated aspect of an astronaut’s routine is the necessity of maintaining physical fitness through vigorous exercise regimens. This is essential since both muscle mass and bone density can deteriorate rapidly in microgravity conditions – however, the fitness machines available on the ISS, like the treadmill and stationary bike, pose challenges for adaptation to meet the needs of individuals with disabilities. Both devices necessitate the use of both feet for operation.
Revamping systems related to exercise, nutrition, work, hygiene, and other vital functions is essential for helping disabled astronauts succeed in space.
Assistive technologies designed for use within a spacecraft, as opposed to those utilized in a spacesuit, are advancing continuously and taking many different forms. Consequently, there are always avenues available to enhance the mission environment to be more accommodating for disabled astronauts.
For instance, applications could include virtual reality for ground training purposes, advanced prosthetics that allow for the accomplishment of intricate tasks, and AI-driven computer vision that assists astronauts with visual impairments.
Historically, policies enacted by space agencies have been exclusionary, concentrating on those who are able-bodied and overlooking the capabilities of those who are different. Although some space agencies are forming advisory boards and advocating for diversity, such initiatives are frequently confined to limited objectives within these organizations.
Even though the UK and numerous other nations have established laws aimed at minimizing workplace discrimination, the global nature of the space industry can present challenges. Hence, it is vital to implement policies that promote inclusion and equity within this sector. Most importantly, space agencies must ensure sufficient funding and resources to back any initiatives related to inclusion, collaborating closely with disability advocacy organizations.
Frequently, the underlying issues contributing to barriers in inclusion stem from a lack of understanding or awareness regarding disabilities. Engaging and consulting disabled individuals in the decision-making processes can significantly help in breaking down these barriers. It is crucial for the space sector to recruit a workforce from a variety of backgrounds right from the start.
While the idea of “diversity quotas” has often led to considerable debate, the initial step should be to recognize the diversity of both current and prospective space travelers. Sharing diversity statistics can enhance accountability among agencies and motivate efforts aimed at fostering greater inclusion.
Much work remains to be done, but through a collaborative effort, the emerging commercial space race has the potential to serve as a leading example for the global community regarding disability inclusion.
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Ezgi holds a PhD, an MBA, and a BA (Hons), and she is a Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Brunel Business School’s Marketing Division.
Her main research interests revolve around robotic services, virtual experiences, and the social influences present in those environments. Ezgi has contributed to several international academic journals, including the Annals of Tourism Research, Journal of Consumer Behaviour, and Behaviour & Information Technology. She has been awarded notable grants from the British Academy/Leverhulme and Marketing Trust, and she earned the Best Paper Award at the AMA Winter Conference.
In addition, she participates on the Editorial Review Board for Psychology & Marketing.
Ezgi specializes in consumer psychology through experimental methods, focusing on how different experiences—such as those shared or experienced alone, as well as virtual interactions—impact consumers. Her latest research delves into the influence of algorithmic and robotic services on consumer behavior and the marketing outcomes they generate.
Throughout her career, she has built numerous successful research collaborations with co-authors from various countries, including Sweden, Denmark, and Turkey. She regularly engages in interdisciplinary collaborations, participates in external boards, and currently acts as a Research Development Advisor for two PhD student committees while also co-supervising an external PhD candidate.
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