He could be living and working in space next year (Picture: European Space Agency/Vast)

John McFall already has a long Wikipedia page.

He’s a Paralympian,a sprinter,an NHS orthopaedic surgeon and a former fitness instructor who has dabbled in mountain biking,climbing and guitar.

The next entry on his page? Becoming the world’s first disabled astronaut in orbit.

The government announced on Tuesday that John,45,is one step closer to achieving this goal after striking a deal with the US commercial space company Vast.

The UK Space Agency is now securing sponsorships to fund a spaceflight for the father-of-three from Hampshire as soon as 2027.

Speaking to Metro while wearing his European Space Agency (ESA) uniform,John says the first thing he’ll do in space is look back at Earth.

John is aware that he’s the ‘world’s first’ disabled astronaut,but stresses that he also just wants to be a ‘good astronaut’.

‘The message that comes out from that – challenging the narrative surrounding what people with physical disabilities are capable of – is a great byproduct of the adventure,’ he adds.

Humans are increasingly readying themselves for life beyond our home planet. Nasa’s Artemis mission hopes to bring people to the moon for the first time since 1972.

If all goes to plan,officials want to construct lunar research stations by 2032 and eventually 3D-print entire neighbourhoods on the dusty orb.

And you can count on John being there. ‘This is less sci-fi and more real,’ he says,‘so I think within my working lifetime we will be back on the moon.

‘I’d bite your arm off for a ticket to the moon.’

Artemis II saw people do a lap around the moon (Picture: AFP)

Homes are also planned down the line (Picture: Nasa/PA Wire)

Would Mars,as Nasa officials,scientists and billionaire-types alike hope,be next? Probably,John says.

His colleague,reserve astronaut Dr Meganne Christian,previously told Metro that setting up camp on the moon will act as a trial run for Mars.

‘I wouldn’t rule anything out,’ John says.

The ESA told Metro: ‘ESA is actively supporting the development of a more inclusive and accessible Space and wishes all the best to John McFall.’

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