SpaceX to Launch Polaris Dawn: First Commercial Spacewalk On The Horizon

SpaceX is preparing for a landmark achievement in space exploration with the upcoming launch of Polaris Dawn. This private space mission, slated to take off on Tuesday, August 27, at 3:38 AM ET, will be the first to feature a civilian spacewalk. The mission will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket.

Mission Overview and Goals

The Polaris Dawn mission, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, aims to take a crew of four private citizens on an unprecedented journey, reaching up to 870 miles from Earth. This distance surpasses any human travel since the Apollo era. A major highlight of the mission is the planned spacewalk, where two crew members will venture outside the SpaceX Dragon capsule at an altitude of 435 miles.

Crew and Roles

The crew for Polaris Dawn includes:

• Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4, serving as the mission commander.
• Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel, who will assist Isaacman as the pilot.
• Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, SpaceX engineers and mission specialists. Menon will also act as the medical officer, overseeing the health of the crew throughout the mission.

Spacewalk Details

One of the mission’s most ambitious aspects is the spacewalk, which will involve opening the Dragon capsule’s hatch at 435 miles above Earth. This maneuver is particularly daring as the capsule does not have an airlock, exposing the crew to the vacuum of space. The crew will rely on SpaceX’s newly developed Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuits, which have been rigorously tested on the ground to ensure their reliability in space conditions.

Mission Objectives and Future Plans

In addition to the spacewalk, Polaris Dawn will test SpaceX’s Starlink laser communication systems in space and collect data on the effects of spaceflight on human health. This mission is the first of three Polaris spaceflights planned by SpaceX, each designed to advance private space exploration and deepen our understanding of space travel.

The Polaris Dawn mission represents a significant milestone in commercial space exploration, marking the beginning of a new era in private space travel. This mission is expected to pave the way for future advancements and breakthroughs in space exploration.