Polaris Dawn: SpaceX is set to launch the first-ever private spacewalk with the Polaris Dawn

As we know, there are various national space agencies like NASA and the European Space Agency, which has always been a domain dominated by space exploration. However, the landscape has significantly changed with the rise of private companies in recent years, such as Blue Origin, Space X, Virgin Galactic, etc. These private companies have not only reduced the price of access to space but have also paved the way for new chances in commercial space activities. However, among these chances the concept of private spacewalk, a revolutionary attempt that was once the exclusive domain of highly trained astronauts.

Therefore, with the mission to make life multi-planetary, Space X, the company founded by Elon Musk, is set to make history by launching the first-ever private spacewalk with the Polaris Dawn mission. The launching date of this mission was August 26, 2024, but due to some reason, it has rescheduled its date and set it for August 27, 2024. Moreover, the live coverage of the mission will be available across various platforms so that people can experience this significant occasion in real-time. 

The Polaris Dawn Mission: An Overview

Under the broader Polaris Program, the Polaris Dawn is a unique and ambitious mission. However, to progress human space exploration and technology a series of spaceflights was designed. Moreover, it has been observed that a billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist, Jared Isaacman, is going to lead the mission, who has once served as the commander of the first all-civilian space mission, Inspiration4, in 2021. His vision for this mission is to cross the boundaries of commercial space exploration with the mission objectives of a crewed spacecraft, wide research and expansion efforts, and, most particularly, the first private spacewalk, including the highest Earth orbit ever reached.

The @PolarisProgram mission readiness review just finished and we are currently go for launch in just over 24 hours.

Crew safety is absolutely paramount and this mission carries more risk than usual, as it will be the furthest humans have traveled from Earth since Apollo and the… https://t.co/4TEwupwldQ

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 26, 2024

The crew

A crew of four members will feature the Polaris Dawn mission with their specific expertise and role.  The foremost mission commander is Jared Isaacman, who will lead the mission. The joining crew members are Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both of whom are Space X engineers with wide experience in astronaut training and mission operations. The last crewmember is Scott Poteet who had worked with the Isaacman on a previous project also a former U.S. Air Force pilot.

However, these four members come with a lot of expertise and a wealth of experience in the mission, which is important for the Polaris Dawn. Therefore, the success of the mission depends on the ability of the crew members to work together and tackle the challenges that come in the space, particularly during this spacewalk.

Training and Preparation

As we know, for this mission, a lot of preparation and training is needed, which the members of the crew have gone through for the spacewalk. The process of the training involves the imitations of spacewalks in neutral flexibility pools, where the crew performs manoeuvring in weightless surroundings. They have also received various instructions regarding the spacesuit designed for the mission, which is important for them, and it is the upgraded version of the previous model.

However, the space suits have been engineered by the company Space X for the Polaris Dawn mission to improve the safety of the members, flexibility and functionality. It will also protect the astronauts from the harsh conditions of space and give them an advanced life support system. It also has the capacity of protecting the astronauts from the vacuum environment and the extreme temperature; as well as the communication system is also improved in this suit to make sure that the seamless coordination between the crew members during this mission of spacewalk.

The First Private Spacewalk 

One of the most expected features of the Polaris Dawn mission is the first private spacewalk. A spacewalk or Extravehicular activity is a vital procedure where astronauts leave the limits of their spacecraft to conduct work in the vacuum of space. It has been seen various government agencies are trying to prepare for this mission, which is a bit challenging to operate in a zero-gravity environment for them. However, a significant departure from this tradition has marked the Polaris Dawn mission. Civilian astronauts, the private spacewalk will be conducted, which will make a millstone in the commercialization of space. 

In 1966, the NASA Gemini 11 mission set a record of higher altitude for an orbital EVA, but this spacewalk will be more than this and break the record of this previous mission. However, with the unique challenges, this higher altitude is present and comprises the increased radiation experience and the need for specific equipment to safeguard the crew’s safety.

The Role of SpaceX

Space X has played an important role in the Polaris Dawn mission, which cannot be overstated. For human space exploration, the Polaris Dawn signifies the next step in its ambitious plans, and Space X has been at the forefront of the commercial space revolution. However, in a multiple-crewed mission, the Space X Dragon spacecraft has already proven its capability and this vehicle will be for this mission.

Therefore, another of SpaceX’s proven technologies, the Dragon spacecraft, will be launched atop a Falcon 9 rocket. Moreover, in developing the specialized spacesuits, SpaceX has also been instrumental and other various equipment needed for the spacewalk. The company has the ability to make the innovation and development of the rapidly growing technology possible for this mission of Polaris Dawn. SpaceX’s participation in Polaris Dawn is evidence of its promise to push the limits of what is possible in space exploration.

The Future of Private Space Exploration

In the wider trend of private space exploration, the Polaris Dawn mission is significant. The chances for commercial space activities will increase as private companies like SpaceX continue to grow new technologies and abilities. Moreover, in future, it will also explore more missions like private spacewalks, including various other activities like lunar exploration, missions to Mars and other planets, as well as space tourism.

In the future, the achievement of Polaris Dawn could cover the way for more private spacewalks, possibly opening up space search to a broader audience. It has been analysed that the costs related to such missions are still excessively high for most people. Moreover, in the coming decades, the continuous progression of technology and the development of the commercial space industry could make space more reachable.

Challenges and Risks

The mission was considered impossible but finally, it is going to happen. The mission is not without its challenges despite the excitement surrounding the Polaris Dawn. Space exploration is integrally unsafe, and the risks are even higher for a mission that comprises the first private spacewalk. However, the crew members are going to face a lot of obstacles during this mission, although safety is being taken into consideration. There is an additional risk for this mission because, at an altitude higher than any previous crewed mission, the mission will take place. Therefore, the achievement of Polaris Dawn will depend on the skill of the crew and SpaceX to achieve these risks and guarantee the safety of the mission.

The Polaris Dawn mission is an important event that signifies a new era in commercial space investigation. With the first-ever private spacewalk, this operation will set an example for future commercial space events. So, mark your calendars for August 27 and prepare to be part of history as SpaceX and the Polaris Dawn crew embark on their mission to drive the limits of what’s possible in space.

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