SpaceX, the pioneering space exploration company, is gearing up for its next private mission, the Polaris Dawn mission, set to launch at the end of this month. This mission marks a significant milestone as it will feature the first-ever spacewalk undertaken by astronauts on a private venture. Spearheaded by billionaire and Shift4 founder Jared Isaacman, the Polaris Dawn mission is part of his ambitious human spaceflight effort known as the Polaris Program.
The Polaris Dawn mission is the first of three flights purchased by Jared Isaacman from SpaceX in 2022. The mission is scheduled to launch from Florida in the early hours of August 26. In a recent interview with CNBC’s Investing in Space, Isaacman expressed his excitement about the upcoming mission, noting that the launch time is expected to be close to dawn, which is fitting given the mission’s name.
Leading the Polaris Dawn mission as commander, Jared Isaacman is no stranger to space exploration. He previously led the historic Inspiration4 flight in 2021 and is now set to command a crew of four on the Polaris Dawn mission. Joining him are longtime colleague Scott Poteet as the pilot, Anna Menon as the medical officer, and Sarah Gillis as the mission specialist, both of whom are SpaceX employees.
The Polaris Dawn mission will be a multi-day trip that will not be heading to a specific destination but instead will involve a free-flying mission tracing orbits far from Earth. Isaacman shared that the crew will reach a very high altitude that humans have not ventured to in over 50 years, highlighting the pioneering nature of the mission.
One of the key highlights of the Polaris Dawn mission is the planned spacewalk, or extravehicular activity (EVA). While EVAs have been a regular part of NASA’s astronaut missions for maintenance outside the International Space Station, this will be the first time a private venture attempts an EVA. Isaacman acknowledged the risks involved in a spacewalk, describing it as being “surrounded by death.” The crew has undergone extensive training to prepare for this critical moment.
The mission’s schedule for the five-day trip includes meticulous planning and preparations. On day one, the crew will assess the risk from micrometeorite orbital debris to determine the optimal launch time. After reaching a specific orbit, the crew will conduct thorough checks of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule Resilience to ensure its readiness for the mission. Additionally, the crew will pass through the high radiation zone known as the South Atlantic Anomaly, a crucial part of the journey.
Day two of the mission will focus on scientific research and experiments, with the crew planning to conduct around 40 experiments during the trip. They will also prepare for the spacewalk by testing the extravehicular activity (EVA) suits to ensure they function effectively in microgravity. The crew aims to minimize any unexpected challenges during the spacewalk by conducting thorough tests beforehand.
The most significant event of the mission, day three, will see the crew embarking on the spacewalk. Isaacman confirmed that all four members of the crew will participate in the spacewalk, as there is no airlock on the spacecraft. Two members, Isaacman and Gillis, will venture outside of the Dragon capsule, while the other two, Poteet and Menon, will provide support from inside. The spacewalk is expected to last around two hours and will serve as a test and development process for future spacewalks.
The success of the spacewalk hinges on SpaceX’s state-of-the-art spacesuits, designed specifically for extravehicular activities. These spacesuits have undergone extensive testing and development to ensure their functionality in the harsh conditions of space. Isaacman emphasized the importance of learning as much as possible about the suits during the mission, as they represent the next generation of spacesuits for future missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Polaris Dawn mission aims to push the boundaries of private spaceflight and inspire future generations to dream big. Isaacman hopes that the mission will spark curiosity and excitement among the public, showcasing the possibilities of space exploration. The livestream of the spacewalk will provide a unique opportunity for viewers to witness a historic moment in private space exploration.
As the countdown to the Polaris Dawn mission continues, anticipation is building for the groundbreaking spacewalk and the scientific discoveries that await the crew. With Jared Isaacman at the helm, the mission promises to be a testament to human ingenuity and exploration, paving the way for future advancements in space travel. Stay tuned for updates on this historic mission as SpaceX prepares to make history once again.
