SpaceX is gearing up for another historic venture, the Polaris Dawn mission, which is set to launch no earlier than August 26, 2024. This mission, funded and led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, will push the boundaries of private space exploration, featuring the first-ever commercial spacewalk and aiming to achieve the highest Earth orbit since the Apollo era.
Jared Isaacman, who made headlines in 2021 as the commander of the all-civilian Inspiration4 mission, is returning to space, this time with a crew of four that includes pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet, and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Their mission will begin from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launching them into a five-day journey around Earth in a Dragon spacecraft.
The Polaris Dawn mission overview, including a spacewalk. pic.twitter.com/YKhkdasndA
— Christian Davenport (@wapodavenport) August 19, 2024
The Polaris Dawn mission is the first of three planned under the Polaris Program, which Isaacman is both financing and commanding. One of the mission's primary objectives is to reach an orbit of approximately 870 miles above Earth, far surpassing the altitude of the International Space Station, which orbits at about 250 miles. This record-setting orbit will take the crew through parts of the Van Allen radiation belts, a region of space that presents significant challenges due to its high radiation levels.
However, the mission's most anticipated event is the first commercial extravehicular activity (EVA), or spacewalk. Planned for the third day of the mission, this spacewalk will see Isaacman and Sarah Gillis stepping out of the Dragon spacecraft into the vacuum of space, while Poteet and Menon monitor from inside. The EVA will be conducted using newly designed spacesuits developed by SpaceX, marking a significant step forward in space suit technology. These suits are intended to support future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond, potentially involving hundreds or even thousands of spacewalks.
Next week, 434 miles above the Earth, @rookisaacman will attempt the first-ever private spacewalk.
The Polaris Dawn crew of four will be the first crew to test Starlink in space. They will be riding in a SpaceX Dragon capsule, with next generation SpaceX-designed EVA spacesuits.… pic.twitter.com/lBwOD2JjIP
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) August 19, 2024
In addition to the spacewalk, the crew will also conduct several scientific experiments aimed at advancing human health both on Earth and during long-duration spaceflights. Among the planned experiments is the testing of Starlink laser-based communications in space, which could revolutionize communication for future space missions. The Polaris Dawn mission is collaborating with 23 research institutes and universities to conduct up to 38 experiments during the flight.
Isaacman, a seasoned pilot and experienced in leading space missions, has emphasized that the Polaris Dawn mission is as much about advancing space technology as it is about achieving milestones. "This mission is really a test and development process," Isaacman remarked, underscoring the mission's focus on innovation and learning.
Despite some delays in scheduling due to the mission's complexity and recent technical issues with a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the Polaris Dawn mission is now fully on track. SpaceX has been meticulous in addressing these challenges, ensuring that the mission proceeds smoothly.
As the launch date approaches, excitement is building around the potential achievements of the Polaris Dawn mission. Not only will it set new records for commercial spaceflight, but it will also pave the way for future private and public space endeavors, bringing humanity closer to a sustainable presence in space.
