Add Row

Add Element

update

Vancouver Showcase News

update

Add Element

Home
Business Profiles
Featured Local Business
Categories

December 21.2025

2 Minutes Read

Michaela Benthaus: The First Wheelchair User to Experience Space Travel

Blue Origin astronaut celebrating space travel in desert landscape.

A Historic Flight: The First Wheelchair User in Space

Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old engineer from Germany, has made history by becoming the first wheelchair user to journey into space. Launching aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard capsule on December 20, 2025, Benthaus left her wheelchair behind as she soared 65 miles into the cosmos, alongside five other passengers. This moment is not just a personal triumph but a significant leap for accessibility in aeronautics.

Overcoming Barriers

Severely injured in a mountain biking accident seven years ago, Benthaus initially thought the dream of space travel was out of reach for her. "I never really thought that going on a spaceflight would be a real option for me," she noted, highlighting the competitive nature of space exploration, which typically caters to those without disabilities. Yet, thanks to the efforts of innovative companies like Blue Origin, she took a meaningful step into a domain previously barred to individuals with disabilities.

Designing for Inclusivity

The New Shepard capsule was specifically engineered with accessibility in mind. As Benthaus expressed her astonishment at undergoing the experience, which included weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth, Blue Origin’s team made necessary adjustments to accommodate her. A transfer board enabled her to move easily between her wheelchair and the capsule, and an elevator was installed to aid her ascent. Such adaptations signify a broader movement within space tourism aimed at inclusivity and accessibility.

Empowering the Disabled Community

After her flight, Benthaus urged those with challenges to never give up on their dreams. Her journey serves as an inspiration for individuals with disabilities everywhere, demonstrating that with the right support, barriers can be overcome. “I really hope it’s opening up for people like me. I hope I’m only the start,” she remarked, emphasizing her desire to not only make space travel more inclusive but to also enhance accessibility on Earth.

An Impactful Mission Ahead

Benthaus plans to use her experience to advocate for advancements in technology that support individuals with disabilities. Her aspirations extend beyond personal achievements; she aims to improve accessibility in all realms, motivating others to pursue their dreams regardless of the obstacles they face.

Technology & Innovation

0 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

Related Posts All Posts

01.15.2026

Wikipedia Celebrates 25 Years with New AI Licensing Deals

Update Wikipedia's Bold Move into AI PartnershipsOn January 15, 2026, Wikipedia celebrated its 25th anniversary by unveiling a series of significant licensing agreements with major artificial intelligence companies including Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, and France's Mistral AI. This marks a pivotal moment not only in Wikipedia's history but also in the broader narrative of how technology interacts with information sharing.The Challenge of Monetizing Free KnowledgeSince its inception, Wikipedia has embodied the ideal of free access to knowledge. However, the challenges posed by the rapid rise of AI technology and its reliance on internet-sourced information has pushed the organization to consider new revenue models. The Wikimedia Foundation, which oversees Wikipedia, indicated that this move is partly motivated by a need to monetize the heavy traffic generated from AI companies utilizing its content. According to the Foundation's CEO, Maryana Iskander, maintaining Wikipedia’s infrastructure—and ensuring its availability—requires substantial funds, a challenge increasingly complicated by sporadic drops in human traffic amid surges from AI bots.AI Training and Ethical ConsiderationsDuring the announcement, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales expressed his support for AI that learns from Wikipedia data, highlighting the unique human curation of the information. He emphasized that harnessing this knowledge can help improve AI development while prompting a call for responsible practices—namely, that AI companies should compensate Wikipedia fairly for their access. This sentiment has sparked discussions about the ethical implications of data usage and the rights of information providers.Potential Benefits for Wikipedia EditorsAlongside these business developments, Wikipedia is exploring how AI can aid its volunteer community. Wales noted that while AI is not yet sophisticated enough to create comprehensive articles independently, it could help streamline tasks for editors, allowing them to focus on improving content quality. This proactive approach highlights a potential synergy between AI technology and human expertise, which may pave the way for innovations in how information is generated and curated on the platform.A Future-Ready WikipediaAs Wikipedia celebrates two and a half decades of existence, the convergence of artificial intelligence and communal knowledge presents both opportunities and challenges. With new partnerships and a strategic focus on adapting to the digital landscape, Wikipedia aims to sustain its model of free knowledge while firmly establishing its position in the technologically-driven future. The growing conversations about the intersection of AI and digital content highlight the need for a collaborative approach that values both accessibility and ethical considerations—a balance that Wikipedia strives to maintain as it evolves.

01.15.2026

Vancouver's Tech Revolution: Must-Attend Events Shaping Innovation in 2026

Update Exploring the Future of Tech in Vancouver: Exciting Upcoming Events As the tech landscape continues to evolve, Vancouver is emerging as a prominent hub for innovation and collaboration. With several key events on the horizon, this city is poised to host discussions that will shape its tech economy for years to come. From climate solutions and smart accounting practices to talent retention amidst global competition, these gatherings promise to be insightful and impactful. Pioneering Change: Meet the Experts Shaping Vancouver’s Tech Future VTJ’s Midweek Memo highlights exciting sessions in the coming weeks, particularly a panel titled "Vancouver’s Tech Economy — What’s Ahead for 2026?" on January 21. Attendees will hear from influential leaders like Wendy Hurlburt, President and CEO of Life Sciences BC, who will share insights on the industry's direction. Such opportunities allow aspiring entrepreneurs and established businesses alike to understand how to navigate the rapidly changing economic landscape. Networking and Learning: The Importance of Community at Tech Events Another noteworthy event is the "CPA Next: Accounting x Technology" scheduled for January 28. This dialogue between CPAs and tech founders will illustrate how technological advancements are revolutionizing accounting practices. Engaging with these communities not only enhances professional networks but enriches understanding of cross-industry efficiencies that can lead to real growth. Global Talent: Competing in a Changing Landscape The question of talent retention in tech has never been more critical, especially as events like "Canada vs. the World: Competing for Tech Talent" on February 18 will explore alternatives to maintain Canada’s competitive edge amid shifting immigration policies and global opportunities. This session aims to ponder what strategies can be deployed to keep our talent pool full and vibrant, making it essential for participants to gain actionable insights. Building Resilience: The Role of Technology in a Sustainable Future As technology continues to play a vital role in strengthening communities, "Building a Resilient BC: Technology’s Role in Protecting People, Infrastructure & the Economy" on February 26 will tackle the intersection of tech and sustainability. The conversation aims to address real-world problems such as wildfire detection and economic recovery, pushing the envelope on how technology can foster resilience in our communities. The Power of Participation: Don’t Miss Out! With early bird tickets vanishing quickly, there remains a crucial opportunity to engage with this vibrant tech ecosystem in Vancouver. Participating in these events enables individuals to influence the future of technology in the region, so now is the time to act. Secure your spot today and be part of the conversation that will define Vancouver’s technological innovations for years to come.

01.12.2026

Discover How Canada's Largest Indigenous Tech Conference Is Driving Innovation in Vancouver

Update Canada's Largest Indigenous Tech Conference: A Catalyst for Innovation Next week, Vancouver will host what is anticipated to be Canada's largest Indigenous tech conference. Taking place on January 20 and 21 at the Sheraton Vancouver Airport Hotel, this gathering is organized by the Indigenous Tech Circle (ITC) and aims to showcase the growing strength of Indigenous-owned technology companies. Driving Economic Sovereignty through Technology As the tech industry continues to evolve, the ITC is at the forefront of enhancing Indigenous representation in technology. Over 250 founders, investors, and technology professionals are expected to attend, highlighting the momentum within this sector. The conference aims not only to connect individuals but also to showcase how technology can serve as a driver for Indigenous economic sovereignty. Spotlighting Notable Speakers and Their Contributions Among the featured speakers are Bobbie Racette, founder of Virtual Gurus, and Jeff Ward from Animikii. They, along with other leaders, will discuss scaling ventures, navigating global markets, and the importance of mentorship in the tech field. Their insights will enrich discussions on investment readiness, data sovereignty, and e-commerce tailored for creators, supporting a more cohesive Indigenous tech ecosystem. Building Relationships That Extend Beyond the Conference According to Candice Loring, ITC board chair, this conference is vital for breaking down barriers and fostering connections that will last beyond the event itself. The goal is to create a vibrant community ready to support the next generation of Indigenous leaders in technology, ensuring they enter a technology landscape that respects their cultural values. Future Predictions: Indigenous Innovation on a National Stage This gathering may very well mark the beginning of a new era for Indigenous innovation in Canada. Ryan St. Germaine, CEO of ITC, emphasizes that the focus is not just on achieving business success but on demonstrating the unprecedented capabilities of Indigenous entrepreneurs. With sectors like AI growing rapidly, there's a pressing need for Indigenous voices to be heard in these discussions, to not only innovate but safeguard their communities' interests. Final Thoughts: What to Expect The Indigenous Tech Conference is more than an event; it's a statement that Indigenous innovation is not only relevant but essential in shaping Canada's technology landscape. As families and tech enthusiasts approach this exciting opportunity, the lessons learned here will resonate across generations. Together, we can support the continual advancement of Indigenous communities in the tech space.

Michaela Benthaus: The First Wheelchair User to Experience Space Travel

A Historic Flight: The First Wheelchair User in Space

Overcoming Barriers

Designing for Inclusivity

Empowering the Disabled Community

An Impactful Mission Ahead

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title