- Four private astronauts launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on Tuesday, initiating the Polaris Dawn mission.
- The Polaris Dawn mission, SpaceX’s most ambitious private flight, aims to orbit Earth between 190 km and 1,400 km and includes plans for the first private spacewalk, set for the third day at an altitude of 700 km.
OUR TAKE
The Polaris Dawn mission exemplifies a significant leap in commercial space exploration, notably with its pioneering private spacewalk. This venture not only pushes technological boundaries but also enriches our understanding of human adaptability in space. It heralds an era where private entities are increasingly pivotal in space travel, fostering potential for greater accessibility and inspiring future space endeavours.
–Vicky Wu, BTW reporter
What happened
At approximately 5:23 a.m. EST (0923 GMT) on Tuesday, four private astronauts launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard a modified SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, marking the start of the Polaris Dawn mission. The crew, including a billionaire entrepreneur, a retired military pilot, and two SpaceX employees, reached orbit within nine and a half minutes. To celebrate entering zero gravity, the astronauts floated a plush astronaut toy dog within the capsule. The Crew Dragon then separated from its support trunk, offering a stunning view of the sunlit Earth. The Falcon 9 booster landed safely on a seaborne pad, highlighting SpaceX’s progress in reusable rocket technology.
The Polaris Dawn mission, SpaceX’s fifth private flight and the most ambitious, will see the spacecraft orbit Earth between 190 km and 1,400 km—the furthest humans have ventured since the Apollo missions. A key objective is the first private spacewalk, scheduled for the third day at 700 km in altitude, lasting about 20 minutes. The crew will use SpaceX-built spacesuits as the capsule depressurises entirely. Initially planned for last month, the launch faced delays due to a helium leak and regulatory issues but proceeded successfully despite a two-hour delay due to weather.
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Why it’s important
The Polaris Dawn mission represents a milestone in commercial space exploration, breaking new ground with the first privately-conducted spacewalk. The spacewalk will be performed by billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, while their crewmates remain inside the capsule. Beyond its technical achievements, the mission advances scientific understanding through experiments aimed at studying the impact of cosmic radiation and the vacuum of space on the human body, complementing research typically conducted on the International Space Station.
Furthermore, Polaris Dawn highlights the expanding role of commercial enterprises in space travel. By financing and executing ambitious missions, companies like SpaceX are fostering a more accessible era of space tourism and research. The mission’s success could spur advancements in space technology and safety, paving the way for future civilian-led expeditions and inspiring new generations of explorers. As part of a broader programme, Polaris Dawn also anticipates follow-on Crew Dragon missions and voyages aboard SpaceX’s Starship, intended for lunar and Martian journeys.
