SpaceX is set to launch Polaris Dawn, the first civilian spacewalk mission. The crew will venture to an unprecedented altitude and conduct experiments on spaceflight effects.
Polaris Dawn, a groundbreaking mission led by SpaceX, is set to launch. It will feature the first-ever civilian spacewalk, pushing the boundaries of space exploration.Hawthorne, California, USA - August 26, 2024:
SpaceX is on the brink of a monumental achievement as it prepares to launch the Polaris Dawnnmission. This ambitious endeavor aims to accomplish the groundbreaking feat of a civilian spacewalk, a first in the history of space exploration.
Scheduled to take place as early as Tuesday, August 27, Polaris Dawn will see a crew of four private citizens embark on a journey aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, the crew will venture to an unprecedented altitude of 870 miles from Earth, surpassing the distance traveled by any human since the Apollo program.
The highlight of the mission will be a daring spacewalk, where two of the crew members will step outside the SpaceX Dragon capsule at an altitude of 435 miles above Earth. This daring feat will not only test the capabilities of the crew but also the reliability of SpaceX's new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suits.
The Polaris Dawn crew comprises a diverse group of individuals, including Isaacman, CEO of Shift4, retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott "Kidd" Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Menon will also take on the crucial role of medical officer. The mission is expected to last approximately five days.
While only two crew members will physically leave the spacecraft, all four will be exposed to the vacuum of space when the hatch opens. This will be a critical test for the EVA suits, which must ensure the safety of the crew members in the harsh environment of space.
Beyond the spacewalk, Polaris Dawn will also conduct several other experiments. The mission will put Starlink laser-based communications to the test, gathering valuable data for future applications. Additionally, the crew will collect data to support research into the effects of spaceflight on human health.
Polaris Dawn marks a significant milestone for private space exploration. It demonstrates the growing capabilities of commercial space companies and the increasing accessibility of space travel. As the mission draws closer, the world eagerly awaits to witness this historic event and the groundbreaking achievements it may bring.