On September 15, 2024, history was made high above Earth during the Polaris Dawn mission, led by Embry-Riddle alumnus Jared Isaacman. Known for his ambitious ventures, Isaacman successfully commanded the mission, which featured the first-ever private spacewalk, signaling a significant leap forward for civilian space exploration.
The Polaris Dawn mission, which lasted for five days, took the crew to unprecedented altitudes—nearly 900 miles (about 1,448 kilometers) above Earth—surpassing previous records set by Apollo astronauts. This marked the farthest distance any human has traveled since the achievements of the Apollo program. The mission involved three other crew members, including SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, along with Air Force veteran Scott "Kidd" Poteet.
The culmination of two and a half years of rigorous preparation, Polaris Dawn set out from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, taking off aboard SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. The mission's significant objective was to test advanced spacesuit technology meant for future space travel, particularly for prospective missions to Mars.
During the mission, Gillis and Isaacman achieved the milestone of completing the first private spacewalk, transitioning from what had previously been solely the domain of governmental astronauts. They worked on the testing of advanced equipment, demonstrating new spacesuits and showcasing capabilities aimed at ensuring the safety and comfort of future astronauts.
Upon their return, Isaacman reflected on the unique collaborative efforts needed to make the Polaris Dawn mission successful. “It took so many people—an army of people—to create and test new technologies,” he stated, emphasizing teamwork over individual achievement.
The re-entry of the Polaris Dawn spacecraft was celebrated, splashing down safely off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida. Recovery operations saw the crew emerge wearing triumphant smiles, with Isaacman declaring, “We are mission complete!” as they enjoyed the exhilaration of accomplishment.
The mission’s research did not stop with the return to Earth. Significant work was done onboard to evaluate the impacts of microgravity on human health, with studies collecting biospecimens for analysis, drawing on expertise from Embry-Riddle’s Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology department. This collaboration showcased how academia and private industry can merge to push the boundaries of human capability.
For Poteet, who grew up with dreams of flying, the experience of space truly put things in perspective. At his homecoming celebration, Poteet spoke candidly about the overwhelming sensation of gazing down at Earth. “The world looks very, very small,” Poteet explained, sharing how the view of lightning illuminating storms and constellations sparked sheer awe within him. During the last night of their voyage, he witnessed the magnificence of the Northern Lights against the vast backdrop of space, culminating the mission with unforgettable celestial displays.
While the Polaris Dawn mission was groundbreaking, it was also just the beginning for Isaacman and his crew. The mission is part of his broader Polaris program, which aims to explore space on behalf of various scientific organizations, including the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which benefits from the philanthropic efforts tied to these expeditions.
Isaacman emphasized the future of space exploration, stating, “There’s going to be so many opportunities for inspired dreamers to make a difference.” He also affirms the value of educational institutions like Embry-Riddle and the significant role they play as conduit for aspiring astronauts and engineers.
Recognized not only for individual achievements but also as champions for community endeavors, Scott Poteet received warm accolades from his hometown of Stratham, New Hampshire. The town celebrated “Scott ‘Kidd’ Poteet Day” on September 15, highlighting the communal pride and support for those embarking on the final frontier.
With engaging stories of innovation, human spirit, and community involvement, the Polaris Dawn mission acts as both a milestone and inspiration. It speedily shifts public perspective about space, making the extraordinary seem routine. For the team, there’s only one direction to look: upward. And they intend to keep reaching for the stars.
