Here’s What You Need to Know About SpaceX’s First Private Spacewalk Mission

SpaceX is set for a groundbreaking mission, Polaris Dawn, beginning on August 26. This six-day mission, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, includes the first private spacewalk—a significant milestone for commercial space exploration.

The Polaris Dawn crew comprises four members: Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur; Scott Poteet, a retired military fighter pilot; and two SpaceX employees, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Both Gillis and Menon bring valuable experience, with Gillis leading astronaut training and Menon having worked at NASA. These experts are pivotal in ensuring the mission’s success.

Polaris Dawn has three main objectives. First, the crew will reach an altitude of 1,400 kilometers—the farthest distance since the Apollo missions. Second, they will test laser communication between the spacecraft and SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, a crucial step for future missions. Finally, on the mission’s third day, the crew will conduct the first commercial spacewalk, testing SpaceX’s newly developed spacesuits.

The spacewalk is a critical component, testing SpaceX’s first-generation spacesuits designed for extreme conditions. These suits are an upgrade, featuring enhanced durability and built-in cameras. During the spacewalk, two crew members will exit the Dragon capsule, while the other two remain inside. The entire capsule will be exposed to the vacuum of space, making this a risky and pioneering endeavor.

This mission is the first of three planned under the Polaris program. Following Polaris Dawn, a similar mission will occur, leading up to the first crewed flight on SpaceX’s Starship rocket. This rocket is being developed for eventual missions to the Moon and Mars.

Scheduled for 3:38 a.m. ET on August 26, the mission will launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. As SpaceX continues to push boundaries, Polaris Dawn marks a significant leap toward commercial space exploration and interplanetary travel.

This mission not only tests new technology but also sets the stage for future deep-space missions. With Polaris Dawn, SpaceX is closer to making space travel a reality for all.