Astronaut reserve John McFall visits Jodrell Bank

On Tuesday 15 July, Jodrell Bank was thrilled to welcome European Space Agency astronaut reserve, John McFall, for an inspiring day of interactive school sessions, thought-provoking talks, and a behind-the-scenes tour of the iconic Lovell Telescope…

A photo of four people stood in the Jodrell Bank Observatory control room, with the Lovell Telescope in the window behind. — image Left to right: Professor Tim O’Brien (Associate Director, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics), John McFall (ESA astronaut reserve), Dr Rebecca Bowler (Research Fellow, Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics), Emma Pemberton-Eccles (Head of Programmes and Partnerships, Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement)

After losing his right leg in a motorcycle accident at the age of 19, John went on to become a Paralympic medallist and qualified doctor. In 2022, he was selected by ESA to join a ground-breaking feasibility study, examining how astronauts with physical disabilities can contribute to long-duration space missions. Now medically cleared for potential missions to the International Space Station, John is at the forefront of shaping a more inclusive future for space exploration.

Local schools enjoyed working with John in a series of hands-on activities, exploring key considerations for astronauts going into space such as building a circuit whilst wearing gloves and monitoring strength and heart rate!

As evening fell, Teresa Anderson, Director of Jodrell Bank Centre for Engagement, joined John for a fascinating conversation, offering exclusive insight into his personal journey, biomechanics and physical adaptation in space, and the next steps for human spaceflight…

Astronaut John Mcfall, in a blue ESA spacesuit, talking to a table of primary school children. — image Local schools enjoyed getting stuck-in with workshops and Q&A!

“There were quite a few reasons why I wanted to apply to be an astronaut with the European Space Agency, but I think at the core of that was the fact that ESA were asking this brave and bold question, challenging people’s preconceptions about who could be a professional astronaut.

And for me, as someone with a disability, I thought that was a real challenge and an awesome potential contribution that I could make in changing the narrative surrounding disability.”

[…]

“I’d say to anyone who wants to have a career in space, in science, technology, engineering, whatever it may be, do what you are passionate about.

Go out and do what excites you because if you like doing it, it’s not going to be difficult for you to excel and get out of bed every morning to go and do it. Do what you enjoy.”

John McFall, ESA astronaut reserve

Thank you again to John McFall, the UK Space Agency, and the European Space Agency for such an insightful day.