British Paralympian could be first astronaut with physical disability to live in orbit

John McFall won a bronze medal at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics and is now an orthopaedic surgeon. His research in orbit will focus on how the space environment affects his body, and prosthetic limbs. Photograph: ESA

A British Paralympian and surgeon could become the first person with a physical disability to live in orbit after the government signed a deal with a US company that is building a small commercial space station.

John McFall, a member of the European Space Agency (Esa) astronaut reserve, was cleared for activities in orbit last year and could take part in a mission to the Haven-1 space station soon after its proposed launch in 2027.