In a groundbreaking achievement, SpaceX successfully completed its first commercial spacewalk on September 12, 2024. The historic event was led by billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, part of the Polaris Dawn mission. This five-day mission aims to push the boundaries of private space exploration.
The successful spacewalk, lasting just under two hours, sets a new precedent for commercial space missions, which have previously been the domain of government agencies.
Polaris Dawn Crew Breaks New Ground
The Polaris Dawn crew of four civilians made history with the first-ever private spacewalk, a key milestone in the mission’s five-day orbit around Earth. The crew launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on September 10, 2024, rocketing to an altitude of 737 kilometers.
Jared Isaacman, CEO of Shift4 and commander of Polaris Dawn, led the mission. Alongside him were Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, and two other crew members: Scott Poteet and Anna Menon. The spacewalk was the mission’s main event, aimed at testing new SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits.
Isaacman emerged from the Crew Dragon capsule around 7:00 AM Eastern time, beginning the first segment of the spacewalk. “Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do. But from here, it looks like a perfect world,” Isaacman remarked during his time outside the spacecraft.
SpaceX Spacewalk: A Key Moment in Commercial Spaceflight
SpaceX designed this mission to demonstrate the viability of commercial space travel and the ability of civilians to conduct spacewalks. The Polaris Dawn mission, led by SpaceX, aims to lay the groundwork for future space missions that will push humanity closer to settling on Mars and beyond.
Isaacman’s spacewalk lasted just 15 minutes, during which he tested the flexibility and durability of SpaceX’s new EVA suit. These suits, essential for future missions, offer greater mobility and comfort than previous designs. After Isaacman, Sarah Gillis exited the capsule for her spacewalk, following the same procedures and exercises.
The crew relied on a system of tethers connected to the spacecraft, ensuring their safety throughout the mission. Unlike the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts often float freely for repairs, the Polaris Dawn spacewalkers remained attached to the capsule during their exercise maneuvers.
Technological Advancements for Space Travel
SpaceX’s new EVA suits mark a significant leap in space technology. The suits are designed to offer more mobility than traditional space suits, which are often bulky and restrictive. These advancements are crucial for long-term missions, where ease of movement will be key to operational success.
This mission is a crucial part of SpaceX’s broader plans to enable human settlements on other planets. Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX, has made it clear that creating cost-effective, mass-producible spacesuits is part of the company’s goal to revolutionize space travel.
The ability to produce thousands of EVA suits for civilians, as opposed to the expensive, custom suits used by government agencies, will be a crucial part of future space exploration missions. SpaceX’s focus on efficiency and scalability in space exploration will enable larger numbers of people to participate in space travel.
SpaceX Live Broadcast Engages the World
SpaceX live-streamed the Polaris Dawn spacewalk, offering viewers worldwide a front-row seat to the historic event. The spacewalk demonstrated not only the capabilities of the SpaceX suits but also highlighted the significance of space travel for civilians.
The crew spent two hours depressurizing the capsule before the walk, and they followed strict protocols for safety. The success of this spacewalk proves that space exploration is no longer the exclusive domain of government agencies. It opens doors for more private companies to venture into space.
Scientific Experiments and Future Goals
Polaris Dawn’s mission goes beyond testing EVA suits. The crew is conducting nearly 40 experiments to gain insights into the biological challenges of space travel. One key area of study is space adaptation syndrome, a condition that affects nearly half of all astronauts.
Sarah Gillis, who also serves as an engineer at SpaceX, mentioned that one of the experiments involves using specialized contact lenses to measure eye pressure in microgravity. These experiments aim to improve our understanding of how the human body adapts to the harsh conditions of space.
In addition to these biological experiments, SpaceX is also testing Starlink, its satellite internet technology, for in-space communication. This demonstration could pave the way for more efficient communications during long-duration missions to Mars and other planets.
Figure 1: Polaris Dawn crew member during the first commercial spacewalk.
Figure 2: Sarah Gillis in a second picture during the spacewalk
Conclusion: A Leap Forward in Space Exploration
SpaceX’s first commercial spacewalk marks a turning point in the history of space exploration. With Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis successfully completing their missions, the Polaris Dawn crew has demonstrated the potential for civilians to take on increasingly complex roles in space.
As SpaceX continues to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible, the future of space exploration looks bright. The successful spacewalk shows that the dream of mass space travel may be closer than we think. With new technologies, like the EVA suits, SpaceX is leading the charge toward a future where humanity can explore the stars.
