On the cusp of a new era in space exploration, SpaceX, in collaboration with Jared Isaacman’s Polaris Program, is set to launch the Polaris Dawn mission, marking the first-ever private spacewalk.
Scheduled for liftoff no earlier than August 26, 2024, this mission aims to break records and redefine what’s possible in space for private entities.
Mission Highlights
The mission’s centerpiece is the spacewalk, an event in which two crew members equipped with bespoke SpaceX spacesuits will step into the vacuum of space. This would be a first not just for SpaceX but for any private spaceflight endeavor.
Polaris Dawn will propel its crew to an apogee of approximately 1,400 kilometers above Earth, the highest Earth orbit ever achieved by a crewed spacecraft since the Apollo missions. This altitude will take the crew through parts of the Van Allen radiation belts, providing unique data on space radiation’s effects on humans.
The mission’s crew includes Jared Isaacman, alongside three others, who will not only conduct the spacewalk but alsoengage in a series of experiments. The spacecraft, a modified Crew Dragon, has been adapted for this mission, including installing a “skywalker” hatch for the spacewalk, showcasing SpaceX’s innovation in spacecraft design.
Beyond the spectacle, Polaris Dawn carries a suite of experiments to understand human health in space. From monitoring spinal fluid pressure to studying Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), the mission’s research could pave the way for more extended human space missions.
Not without Challenges
Despite the excitement, the mission isn’t without its challenges. The complexity of conducting a spacewalk in a private spacecraft, the health risks associated with high radiation exposure, and the technical modifications to the Dragon capsule pose significant hurdles.