, Dec. 22 -- German engineer Michaela Benthaus made history Saturday as the first wheelchair user to travel to space, leaving her wheelchair behind while orbiting Earth on a 10-minute Blue Origin flight. Benthaus, who became paraplegic following a mountain biking accident seven years ago, launched from West Texas alongside five other passengers, including retired SpaceX executive Hans Koenigsmann, who helped organize and sponsor her journey.

"I laughed all the way up," said Benthaus, describing the flight that soared more than 65 miles (105 kilometers). She even attempted to turn upside down while in microgravity.

The New Shepard capsule required only minor adjustments to accommodate Benthaus, with accessibility features designed to wel...