Why the admission of a disabled person to the European Space Agency is a win

Source: This post is created based on the article “Why the admission of a disabled person to the European Space Agency is a win” published in Indian Express on 25^th November 2022.

Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Social Issues

News: European Space Agency (ESA) has expanded the requirements to become an astronaut to make it more inclusive.

The space flights in the beginning were much more dangerous, and more exclusive, than today. In the beginning of space age, the idea that who should be an astronaut was limited by imagination, opportunity and resources. The requirements to become an astronaut or cosmonaut are not the same now.

Women, people of colour, and those with disabilities can also become astronaut or cosmonaut.

Therefore, European Space Agency (ESA) has expanded the mental and physical fortitude required to be an astronaut or cosmonaut.

A Paralympics medallist John Mcfall may become the first disabled person in the ESA’s astronaut programme.  He lost a leg at the age of 19 and since then has achieved peak physical and medical condition. However, he will have to undergo a feasibility programme along with other potential candidates.

Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies for the protection and betterment of vulnerable sections