SpaceX to Attempt First Private Spacewalk in History with Polaris Dawn Mission
SpaceX is gearing up for its next ambitious private mission, Polaris Dawn, set to launch from Florida in the early hours of August 26th. This mission marks a significant milestone in private spaceflight, as it will see the first ever attempt at a spacewalk by private astronauts. The mission, commanded by billionaire and Shift4 founder Jared Isaacman, is the first of three planned flights in the Polaris Program, his human spaceflight initiative aimed at pushing the boundaries of space exploration.
Key Takeaways:
- First Private Spacewalk: Polaris Dawn will be the first mission to attempt a spacewalk by private astronauts.
- High Altitude Orbit: The crew will orbit at an altitude of 1,400 kilometers, the highest reached by humans in over fifty years.
- Five-Day Mission: The mission will last for up to five days, filled with scientific experiments and preparations for the spacewalk.
- Advanced Spacesuits: SpaceX has developed new extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, specifically designed for spacewalks, which will be tested during the mission.
- Livestreamed EVA: The spacewalk is scheduled for the third day of the mission and will be livestreamed, offering a unique glimpse into this historic event.
A Mission of Firsts: Pushing the Boundaries of Private Spaceflight
Polaris Dawn, commanded by Jared Isaacman, marks a significant step forward for the Polaris Program, which aims to advance human spaceflight capabilities. Isaacman will be leading a team of four, including longtime colleague Scott Poteet as the pilot, and SpaceX employees Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis as the flight’s medical officer and mission specialist, respectively.
The mission’s primary objective is to conduct a spacewalk – a feat never before attempted by a private company. The crew will orbit at a remarkably high altitude of 1,400 kilometers, surpassing even the International Space Station’s orbit. This ambitious goal will require extensive preparation and a thorough understanding of the challenges posed by the harsh space environment.
A Five-Day Journey: Research, Rehearsal, and the Historic Spacewalk
Polaris Dawn’s five-day itinerary is meticulously planned, prioritizing safety and scientific advancement while leading up to the historic spacewalk.
Day One: The mission commences with a meticulous assessment of potential risks posed by orbital debris, ensuring a safe launch window. The crew will then ascend to an orbit of 190 to 1,200 kilometers, taking early passes through the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region with heightened radiation levels.
Day Two: The crew will delve into the mission’s 40 planned scientific experiments, while simultaneously conducting rigorous tests of the EVA suits to ensure proper functionality in the microgravity environment.
Day Three: The spacewalk will be the crowning event of the mission.
"We’d say all four of us are doing it – there’s no airlock and it’s being vented down to vacuum" inside the spacecraft, Isaacman explained. He and Sarah Gillis will be the astronauts venturing outside the Dragon capsule, while Scott Poteet and Anna Menon provide critical support from within. The EVA is anticipated to last for two hours, offering invaluable data about the new SpaceX spacesuits.
Day Four & Five: The crew will continue their scientific research and monitoring, utilizing the unique vantage point of their high orbit to collect valuable data.
A New Era of Spacesuits: Testing the Limits of Human Exploration
The success of Polaris Dawn’s spacewalk hinges on the performance of SpaceX’s newly developed EVA suits. These suits, built upon the company’s established intravehicular activity (IVA) suits, have undergone years of rigorous testing and refinement.
"Everything is about building the next generation," Isaacman highlighted, emphasizing the long-term significance of these suits for future lunar, Martian, and low Earth orbit missions. "Building a new EVA suit is no easy task," he acknowledged, underscoring the complexity and technological prowess required to create these critical pieces of equipment.
Inspiring a New Generation: The Power of Private Exploration
Polaris Dawn represents a beacon of hope and inspiration for aspiring astronauts and space enthusiasts alike. Isaacman emphasizes the mission’s goal of inspiring the next generation of explorers. "Anything that’s different than what we’ve seen over the last 20 or 30 years is what gets people excited," he observes, "thinking: ‘Well if this is what I’m seeing today, I wonder what tomorrow’s gonna look like or a year after."
This ambitious mission, fueled by private investment and innovation, promises to redefine the realm of private space exploration. Polaris Dawn’s daring foray into spacewalk territory is a testament to the relentless pursuit of pushing boundaries and advancing human capabilities beyond Earth.
