Three D/deaf and hard-of-hearing researchers successfully pass New Shepard’s astronaut training

July 22, 2025; VAN HORN, TX – AstroAccess is proud to announce its collaboration with Blue Origin to make space exploration more accessible and inclusive for D/deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) people on New Shepard.

Blue Origin invited AstroAccess to a two-day workshop focused on enhancing spaceflight accessibility and developing best practices for DHH astronauts last summer at Launch Site One. The Ambassadors provided expert consultation on DHH accessibility, made detailed observations during training, and delivered a comprehensive report outlining recommendations to enhance the New Shepard spaceflight experience for DHH astronauts.

The AstroAccess team included DHH Ambassadors Sheila Xu, Eric Shear, and Victoria (Vicky) Garcia as well as Executive Director Anna Voelker, AstroAccess American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting Lead Justin Baldi, and ASL interpreter Brooke Jensen.

The AstroAccess Ambassadors represented the diverse spectrum of DHH experiences, including D/deaf sign language users, oral hard-of-hearing individuals without hearing aids, and those with cochlear implants.

The Ambassadors successfully completed standard astronaut training, marking a major milestone in demonstrating the readiness of DHH individuals for New Shepard missions. This work builds upon a legacy of DHH contributions to spaceflight, including the pioneering Gallaudet 11 in the 1950s-1960s.

“The success of our training demonstrates that deaf and hard-of-hearing people possess the skills, expertise, and adaptability required for spaceflight. We’re one step closer to seeing a DHH astronaut in space, and I’m honored to be part of this journey.” – Sheila Xu, AstroAccess Ambassador

“I applaud Blue Origin for ensuring that spaceflight is accessible to all. Together, we are increasing access to space, and I’m excited to be part of this collaboration.” – Victoria Garcia, AstroAccess Ambassador

“I’m thrilled to see Blue Origin and New Shepard continue to pave the way for a more inclusive space community.” – Eric Shear, AstroAccess Ambassador

“New Shepard’s mission is to provide access to space for all people, regardless of disability,” said Audrey Powers, Vice President of New Shepard Mission and Flight Operations at Blue Origin. “We’re proud to collaborate with AstroAccess to make even more progress toward that goal.”

AstroAccess looks forward to continuing our collaboration with Blue Origin to pave the way for a more inclusive future, on Earth and beyond it.

About AstroAccess

AstroAccess is dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in space exploration for the benefit of humankind. The project is part of SciAccess, an international nonprofit dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in STEM. Learn more about AstroAccess at astroaccess.org.

For media inquiries and interview requests, contact AstroAccess Media Relations at press@astroaccess.org.

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