Why Humans with Disabilities Will Colonize Space

Space is exquisitely dangerous; we know that already. Anyone who boldly goes even into Earth orbit faces everything from decreased bone density and muscle loss to deteriorating vision and increased susceptibility to various kinds of cancer. And these are just some of the dangers we have uncovered so far. As the duration and complexity of our forays into the unknown increase, we will uncover even more ways in which space is trying to kill us. And yet, despite this, we will go. Every indication is that humans will colonize Earth orbit, the surface of the moon, and places beyond. As we venture outward, we can and will work to minimize accidents caused by human error and by instrument and material failures, but we will never tame space; it will always be a hostile, disabling and sometimes fatal environment. The reality is that many of those who begin expeditions with the classic “right stuff” will become disabled over the course of their time in space. This is a reality we must plan for or we will betray their trust and imperil their success. This paper examines what kinds of disabilities will occur as humans move further into space, and discusses the equipment, training, and cultural adaptations necessary for the accommodation of these disabled astronauts and colonists.