An alternate vision for colonization

Abstract In virtually all earth-side scenarios, it is increasingly understood that diversity strengthens working groups, and diversification in terms of gender, race, and sexual orientation in space exploration has been ongoing since the early 1980s. Despite the increasing acceptance of diversity among spacefarers, the idea of astronauts with disabilities has yet to be taken seriously. While other minorities assume their place among elite crews and potential colonists, the presence of even the smallest physical disability still acts as an automatic barrier to space exploration. This piece reveals the advantages of removing the barriers to more inclusive space travel, exploring the importance of universal design in space craft and equipment for long-term space missions and colonization efforts not only to allow for inclusion of disabled crew members, but also to improve functionality and safety for non-disabled crew members. We argue that administrators must overcome responses based on stereotypes and widen their approach to recruitment, training and design such that all qualified candidates are eligible and effective.