This month, SpaceX is gearing up for a significant milestone in the realm of private spaceflight with the upcoming launch of Polaris Dawn, the first commercial spacewalk attempt by the company. This mission, part of the Polaris program, aims to push the boundaries of SpaceX’s technology and contribute to the future of human presence in space.
Funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, Polaris Dawn is set to launch no earlier than July 12, 2024. The mission will mark the first of three missions supported by Isaacman, following the success of Inspiration4 in 2021. The plans for Polaris Dawn include ambitious goals such as conducting the first commercial spacewalk, performing research on human health in space, testing Starlink WiFi capabilities, and reaching a high orbit over 800 miles above Earth.
The crew for Polaris Dawn will consist of Jared Isaacman, former Air Force lieutenant colonel Scott “Kidd” Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. During their five-day orbit around Earth, the crew will conduct various experiments, including studying the effects of the van Allen radiation belts on the human body and investigating spaceflight associated neuro ocular syndrome (SANS).
One of the most groundbreaking aspects of the mission is the planned spacewalk, which will be the first ever conducted on a private mission. The crew will use SpaceX’s newly designed EVA suits to ensure their safety in the vacuum of space. This endeavor aims to make spacewalks more accessible to individuals of different heights and body types, aligning with SpaceX’s long-term goal of establishing a presence on the Moon and Mars.
Additionally, Polaris Dawn will test the Starlink internet connectivity from a spacecraft, providing a glimpse into the potential of satellite-based internet services beyond Earth. The mission is also dedicated to raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Hospital, with Anna Menon planning to stream herself reading a children’s book from orbit to inspire young minds.
Despite years of training that have prepared the crew for this mission, the launch date is contingent upon the readiness of the technology involved. While there is a possibility of delays beyond the projected launch window, the impact of Polaris Dawn on humanity’s exploration of space is expected to be significant. The mission aims to share valuable insights and lessons learned to involve people from all walks of life in the journey towards the Moon and Mars.
As SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration, the success of Polaris Dawn could pave the way for future endeavors that expand our understanding of the cosmos and our potential as a spacefaring civilization.
