On September 12, 2024, a date that will be forever etched in the annals of space exploration, SpaceX successfully completed the world’s first commercial spacewalk, marking a new milestone in the realm of private space exploration.
The Polaris Dawn mission, launched by the American space exploration company SpaceX, saw two civilian astronauts step into the vastness of space. This historic event not only highlights SpaceX’s technical prowess but also sets a precedent for future private space endeavors.
The Journey Begins
The mission commenced on September 10, when four astronauts boarded the Resilience Dragon spacecraft, propelled by the Falcon 9 rocket, and lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This launchpad, which once witnessed the beginning of the Apollo 11 moon landing mission, is now a testament to the evolution of space exploration.
The astronaut crew included mission commander Jared Isaacman, pilot Scott Kidd Poteet, and SpaceX mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. This team, comprising entirely of civilians, embarked on a journey that would take them to unprecedented heights.
A New Record
Just 15 hours after launch, the Polaris Dawn mission set a new record for the highest orbit achieved since the Apollo program, reaching an altitude of 1,400.7 kilometers. This surpassed the previous record of 1,373 kilometers set by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission. The achievement underscores SpaceX’s technical capabilities and paves the way for future deep space exploration missions.
The Historic Spacewalk
The defining moment of the mission came on September 12, when the Polaris Dawn team conducted the groundbreaking spacewalk. Isaacman and Gillis became the first private astronauts to walk in space, an event that began at 6:12 AM Eastern Time and lasted for 1 hour and 46 minutes.
During the spacewalk, Isaacman expressed his awe for the Earth, stating, SpaceX, there’s still a lot of work to be done on Earth, but from here, it looks like a perfect world. His reverence for the planet and excitement for the mission were palpable.
Cutting-Edge Technology
To facilitate this historic spacewalk, SpaceX developed a range of specialized hardware, including a new space suit, the Skywalker hatch, and a new laser communication system.
The new space suit, described by a SpaceX spacesuit engineer as fabric armor, is lightweight, flexible, and capable of withstanding the harsh conditions of space. This suit, which was used for the Polaris Dawn mission, may also serve as the foundation for future Mars exploration missions.
The Dragon spacecraft was modified to include the Skywalker hatch, designed specifically for spacewalks. This hatch features a ladder, handrails, and footholds to facilitate movement outside the spacecraft.
The mission also tested a new communication system that uses lasers to connect with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network. Isaacman noted that this system could open up a new communication pathway for the Dragon spacecraft, Starships, or other satellites and telescopes.
Scientific Experiments
Beyond technological demonstrations, the Polaris Dawn mission conducted 36 different scientific experiments provided by 31 institutions. Some of these experiments will contribute data to NASA’s Human Research Program, aiding scientists in understanding how the human body responds to space travel.
The experiments covered a wide range of fields, including testing wearable devices to collect biometric data, attempting to mitigate motion sickness, studying eye health in microgravity, and exploring the effects of Earth’s Van Allen radiation belt on the human body.
Jancy McPhee, the deputy chief scientist for NASA’s Human Research Program, emphasized the importance of each mission, stating, Every mission, whether commercial or NASA, provides us with crucial opportunities to better understand how spaceflight affects human health. The information collected from the ‘Polaris Dawn’ mission will provide important insights for NASA’s planning of deeper lunar and Mars exploration.
A Path to the Future
The Polaris Dawn mission is the second privately-funded SpaceX mission sponsored by Isaacman, following the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021, which was the first crewed orbital flight composed entirely of non-professional astronauts. Both missions used the Resilience Dragon spacecraft and raised funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Isaacman, prior to the mission, publicly stated, This is inspiring… Different things from the past 20 or 30 years will be exciting, thinking about ‘If this is what it looks like today, I wonder what it will be like tomorrow or a year from now.’
The successful completion of this spacewalk mission not only showcases SpaceX’s leadership in the private space exploration sector but also paves the way for future deep space missions, particularly Mars exploration. By testing new space suits, high-orbit flights, and spacewalks, SpaceX is accumulating valuable experience
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