Short Wave Making Space Travel Accessible For People With Disabilities
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Jul 14, 2022 NASA recently unveiled incredible images from the James Webb Space Telescope, sparking excitement about space. The discussion turns to advocating for inclusive space travel, highlighting the inspiring story of a deaf NASA employee who achieved a zero-gravity flight. Organizations like Astro Access play a crucial role in making space travel accessible, pushing for thoughtful design in spacecraft for disabled individuals. The episode emphasizes how accessible space travel not only benefits many but also drives innovative solutions on Earth.
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Apoorva's Journey
- Apoorva Varia, inspired by a rocket launch, wrote to NASA expressing his astronaut aspirations.
- NASA rejected him due to his deafness, but he persevered, working for NASA and directing space missions.
AstroAccess' Mission
- AstroAccess advocates for inclusivity in space travel for people with disabilities.
- They conduct research to inform FAA regulations, ensuring accessibility considerations are made from the outset.
Disability and Space Travel History
- NASA historically restricted astronaut selection to physically fit individuals, excluding those with disabilities.
- However, the European Space Agency's recent inclusion of astronauts with certain disabilities signals potential change.