SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission is set to achieve a historic milestone on Thursday with what will be the world’s first private spacewalk. The ambitious spacewalk will be conducted by billionaire commander Jared Isaacman, who previously led the Inspiration4 mission in 2021. The spacewalk is scheduled to take place on the third day of the five-day Polaris Dawn mission, which commenced its journey on September 10 from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Isaacman, known for his pioneering efforts in space tourism, will be joined by mission specialist Sarah Gillis for this groundbreaking EVA (extravehicular activity). Their mission will involve stepping outside the Crew Dragon spacecraft to test SpaceX's newly developed EVA spacesuits. These cutting-edge suits are specifically designed for operations beyond the spacecraft's confines and feature several advanced technologies including sophisticated thermal management systems, integrated heads-up displays, and built-in cameras.
One of the significant challenges of this spacewalk is the absence of an airlock in the Crew Dragon capsule. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), which is equipped with an airlock to facilitate spacewalks, the Crew Dragon capsule will need to be completely depressurized for the duration of the EVA. This requirement means that all four crew members—including Isaacman, Gillis, mission pilot Scott Poteet, and mission specialist Anna Menon—must wear the new spacesuits during the operation. Poteet and Menon will remain inside the spacecraft to oversee operations, manage safety protocols, and support the spacewalk from within.
The spacewalk will occur at an altitude of approximately 700 kilometers above the Earth’s surface, which is significantly higher than the orbit of the ISS. This increased altitude adds an extra layer of complexity and risk to the spacewalk, making it a notable challenge for both the astronauts and the new spacesuits.
During the EVA, Isaacman and Gillis will assess the functionality and maneuverability of the new SpaceX suits. These suits are equipped with features that are critical for deep space exploration, such as enhanced thermal control and communication systems. This testing is a crucial step for SpaceX’s long-term objectives, which include preparing for future missions to the Moon and Mars.
In addition to the spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn mission aims to conduct up to 40 scientific experiments. These experiments will focus on various aspects of high-altitude space travel, including the effects of radiation exposure and the physiological impacts of spacewalking. The data gathered will provide valuable insights for future commercial space missions and contribute to NASA’s plans for lunar and Martian exploration.
The Polaris Dawn mission is the first of three planned missions under SpaceX’s Polaris Program. The successful execution of this private spacewalk could represent a significant advancement in the commercialization of space activities, paving the way for future private space ventures and deep space exploration initiatives.
