SpaceX is gearing up for an extraordinary mission at the end of the month, as they prepare for the Polaris Dawn mission. This mission, purchased by billionaire Jared Isaacman for his Polaris Program, marks the first of three flights acquired from SpaceX in 2022. The launch is scheduled for the early hours of Aug. 26 from Florida, with Isaacman taking the lead as the mission commander. Accompanying him are longtime colleague Scott Poteet as the pilot, along with Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis from SpaceX serving as the medical officer and mission specialist, respectively.
One of the major highlights of the Polaris Dawn mission is the planned extravehicular activity (EVA), commonly known as a spacewalk. While EVAs have been a routine part of NASA missions for years, this will be the first time a private venture embarks on such an endeavor. Isaacman acknowledged the risks involved, referring to the spacewalk as a moment where they will be “surrounded by death.” Extensive training has been conducted to prepare the crew for the challenging conditions they will face outside the spacecraft.
The Polaris Dawn mission is expected to last up to five days in space, with each day dedicated to specific tasks. Day one will focus on navigating through potential risks from orbital debris before reaching the desired orbit. Once in orbit, the crew will conduct thorough checks of the Dragon capsule Resilience to ensure it is fault-free. Day two will involve scientific experiments and preparations for the upcoming spacewalk, including testing the EVA suits in microgravity. Day three is reserved for the highly anticipated spacewalk, where Isaacman and Gillis will venture outside Dragon while Poteet and Menon provide support from inside the spacecraft.
Isaacman emphasized that the spacewalk is not just a symbolic act but rather a test and development process. The crew aims to gather valuable insights about the operation of the suits and equipment, utilizing the limited oxygen and nitrogen available. Livestreaming the spacewalk will allow viewers to witness this historic event, with multiple cameras capturing the moments both inside and outside the capsule. The success of the EVA relies heavily on SpaceX’s innovative spacesuits, which have undergone extensive testing and refinement to ensure the safety and functionality of the astronauts.
The Polaris Dawn mission symbolizes a significant leap forward in the realm of private spaceflight. Isaacman’s vision extends beyond this mission, as he hopes to inspire future generations and pave the way for further advancements in space exploration. By pushing the boundaries of what is considered possible in space, the mission aims to stimulate curiosity and excitement about the future of human spaceflight.
The Polaris Dawn mission represents a remarkable milestone in the history of space exploration. With its ambitious goals and groundbreaking initiatives, this mission sets a new standard for private spaceflight endeavors. As we look towards the future, the lessons learned and achievements made during the Polaris Dawn mission will undoubtedly shape the course of space exploration for years to come.