The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, spearheaded by fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman, has embarked on a groundbreaking journey, reaching unprecedented altitudes and preparing for a historic spacewalk. Launched early Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center, the mission has already achieved a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), surpassing the International Space Station’s orbit.
The crew’s current orbit ranges from approximately 120 miles to 430 miles above Earth, placing them within the inner Van Allen radiation belt. This area, filled with high-energy particles, poses significant challenges for the mission.
The Polaris Dawn mission is set to achieve a milestone on Thursday with the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts. The extravehicular activity (EVA) is scheduled for 0958 GMT, with a backup time on Friday. SpaceX will livestream the event, with the webcast starting about an hour before the spacewalk.
Before the EVA, the crew will undergo a “pre-breathe” procedure to eliminate nitrogen from their blood, preventing decompression sickness. The cabin pressure will then be lowered to match the vacuum of space.
Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will conduct the spacewalk using a structure called “Skywalker,” which includes hand and footholds. They will test SpaceX’s new spacesuits, designed with heads-up displays and enhanced mobility. Unlike early spacewalks, they will remain tethered to the spacecraft, orbiting Earth at 17,500 mph.
The Crew Dragon capsule’s lack of an airlock means the entire crew will experience the vacuum of space during the two-hour spacewalk. After the EVA, the cabin will be repressurized, and normal oxygen and nitrogen levels will be restored.
Mission pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon will oversee the operation, while Isaacman and Gillis will spend about 15 to 20 minutes outside the spacecraft. This mission represents a significant step in commercial spaceflight, with comparisons drawn to early aviators who pioneered modern air travel.
The Polaris Dawn mission is the first of three planned under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX. The mission will also test laser-based satellite communications with the Starlink constellation and conduct 36 scientific experiments.
The final Polaris mission aims to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX’s Starship, a key component in Elon Musk’s vision for Mars colonization. Isaacman has reportedly invested $200 million into SpaceX’s missions, continuing his support for groundbreaking space exploration.
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