Ambiwlans t1_ixkocf1 wrote
Reply to comment by patrykpudlo in Europe names world's first disabled astronaut | European Space Agency on Wednesday named the first ever "parastronaut" in a major step towards allowing people with physical disabilities to work and live in space. by yourSAS
Another part I don't like is the idea that he's being selected as a gift. An ESA sacrifice.
If that's true, they selected a subpar astronaut and put the other crew at risk in a deadly situation for a PR boost. Not to mention it is disgustingly patronizing.
If it isn't true, then they are diminishing everything this guy ever achieves by making it seem like he got it because he's disabled. And all for a PR boost.
Anderopolis t1_ixle4ak wrote
Both is true, ESA wants to investigate how different disabilities affect people in space, and so they set out to find people with physical disabilities that were best suited for Astronaut work.
We gotta learn from somewhere, and as Spacetravel becomes safer, we can send people with less narrow requirements than traditional Astronauts.
It used to be that Astronauts couldn't wear glasses, but now they can.
HardwareSoup t1_ixn2ue9 wrote
I agree it's really important.
But all the talk about "representation" generates the impression that he didn't get there based on merit, especially to those around him.
The news can say "First X to Z!", but the statement from the selecting agency should always be "They were the best one for the job".
Anderopolis t1_ixo0hsj wrote
But that is the ESA announcement, he was the best qualified applicant for the para-astronaut position.
Representation is more media fluff, him being disabled was a criteria for the job.
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