SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission has made history by attempting the first-ever commercial spacewalk, marking a significant milestone for private space exploration. On Thursday, four crew members aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft are set to don newly developed spacesuits and step out of the vehicle, fully exposing themselves to the vacuum of space.
The four-person team includes billionaire Jared Isaacman, who has funded this mission and serves as its commander, along with SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, and retired Air Force pilot Scott Poteet. This ambitious endeavor is not merely for thrills; it is part of SpaceX's plan to advance the technical capabilities necessary for future missions, including aspirations of establishing human settlements on Mars.
Even though only two crew members will perform the spacewalk, all four will experience drifting through the vacuum of space, highlighting the exceptional nature of this mission. The stakes are high, especially since the new spacesuits haven't been tested in orbit before. Leroy Chiao, a former NASA astronaut and seasoned spacewalker, remarked, "I know they take safety very seriously" and emphasized the potential fallout of any mishap on the commercial human spaceflight industry.
The plan for the spacewalk involves several steps to minimize risk. Starting 48 hours before the hatch opens, the crew will undergo what's called "pre-breathe" for the first time. This involves slowly reducing cabin pressure to prepare their bodies for the low-pressure environment of space and eliminating nitrogen, which can cause decompression sickness, commonly known as "the bends." Unlike astronauts on the International Space Station who perform shorter pre-breathe protocols within airlocks, Polaris Dawn crew members must adapt over two days, due to the Crew Dragon's design lacking such facilities.
After the pre-breathe process, the Polaris crew will put on their custom-designed spacesuits connected to the spacecraft with umbilical cords supplying oxygen and power. The moment they open their hatch to the great void of space, they will be entirely exposed, which, according to Isaacman, is a risky move as it sacrifices the safety of being inside the spacecraft.
Prior to the historic spacewalk, SpaceX has conducted extensive preparations over the past two and a half years, running simulations and upgrading the Crew Dragon spacecraft to handle such missions. Isaacman, who had previously flown on another SpaceX mission, expressed excitement and nervousness, noting, "You are taking on a lot of risk at this point."
Success or failure during this mission could have major ramifications for future commercial spaceflights. Notably, this mission is only the first of three planned under the Polaris program, with the subsequent missions expected to involve even more ambitious objectives, including the first human flights on the upcoming SpaceX Starship.
The challenging mission aims to reach greater heights than any spacecraft has traveled since the Apollo program, testing new technology and protocols. The Dragon spacecraft, aptly named Resilience, will travel to altitudes of 1,400 kilometers (about 870 miles), significantly higher than any crewed flight has achieved recently.
During their five days aboard Dragon, Polaris Dawn's crew will not only focus on the historic spacewalk but also conduct over 40 experiments related to human health during space missions. This includes advancements in intersatellite laser communication tested with SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network.
The mission also includes unique elements like Gillis performing her violin for audiences on Earth using Starlink to relay the music back home. This collaboration aims to showcase the satellite network's potential for enabling communications during future space endeavors.
After spending five days drifting above the Earth, the crew is set to return, with the spacecraft resuming its path back, re-entering the atmosphere at eye-watering speeds. The Dragon capsule is expected to endure extreme temperatures near 1,900°C (3,500°F) during descent, caused by the friction and pressure encountered at supersonic speeds.
According to NASA, the mission is not only groundbreaking but also signifies progress for commercial space travel. Highlighting its importance, they referred to Polaris Dawn as “a giant leap forward” for the industry.
So, as we gear up for this monumental event, there’s a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation. SpaceX's daring initiative under Jared Isaacman's leadership may redefine our approach to space travel and exploration.
