Polaris Dawn to set new space record with historic private spacewalk
SpaceX is poised for the historic launch of the Polaris Dawn mission, which will feature a four-person crew of astronauts. The mission, after numerous delays, is now scheduled for Tuesday, October 9, 2024. It will set a new distance record from our planet and include the first private spacewalk in history!
The Polaris Dawn mission aims to reach over 1,400 kilometres above Earth, which is more than twice the average orbit of the International Space Station. Additionally, the mission has planned a series of 36 scientific experiments.
These experiments will include studying the effects of space on the human body, using magnetic resonance imaging to image astronauts' brains, attempting to take x-ray pictures without using a camera by utilizing natural streams of radiation in space, and conducting tests of communication based on Starlink's laser links.
The mission is led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, who commanded the first all-civilian spaceflight, Inspiration4, in 2021. It is set to launch from the Kennedy Space Center at NASA in Florida.
First private spacewalk in history
SpaceX reported on social media that the launch has been rescheduled to 11:23 AM Eastern Time when the next window opens due to unfavourable weather. Originally, it was supposed to launch at 9:38 AM.
The mission is planned to last five days. One of its key elements is scheduled for the third day. It is then that the first commercial spacewalk in history will take place at an altitude of approximately 700 kilometres above Earth.
The crew, which includes SpaceX space operations engineer Sarah Gillis and space medicine physician Anna Menon, will be testing a new design of improved SpaceX spacesuits in space. Training for the mission included parachute jumps, centrifuge training, medical preparations, and simulations.
Polaris Dawn is the first of three planned missions of the Polaris Program. It aims to rapidly develop human capabilities in space while supporting important goals on Earth. The mission combines space exploration with caring for the future on Earth.
As reported by ScienceAlert, the Polaris Dawn mission may soon write a new chapter in the history of space exploration, proving how private pioneering ventures can lead to scientific progress and significant discoveries.
