SpaceX is set to embark on its groundbreaking Polaris Dawn mission, where four astronauts will be launched into orbit aboard the Crew Dragon capsule. This historic five-day journey, which will traverse the Van Allen radiation belts, is particularly noteworthy as it will feature the first-ever spacewalk conducted by privately trained astronauts.
What is the Polaris Dawn Mission?
Initially announced in 2022, Polaris Dawn is a mission funded by billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman. Joining him on this journey are three other astronauts: retired US Air Force fighter pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis. Isaacman and Gillis are the two astronauts who will conduct the historic spacewalk approximately 430 miles above Earth.
Once in orbit, the crew will ascend to a maximum altitude of around 870 miles, marking the farthest distance traveled by astronauts since the Apollo missions over 50 years ago. During the mission, they will pass through the Van Allen radiation belts, regions filled with high-energy particles originating from the Sun and cosmic rays.
Why Polaris Dawn Matters
The Polaris Dawn mission isn’t just about the spacewalk. It will also serve as a testing ground for SpaceX’s new extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits. These suits are designed with advanced materials for enhanced mobility, featuring a 3D-printed helmet equipped with a heads-up display and a visor that reduces glare.
All four crew members will wear these upgraded suits during the spacewalk since the Crew Dragon capsule lacks an airlock, leaving the interior exposed to the vacuum of space. During this critical phase, Isaacman and Gillis will conduct tests on the new suits.
Moreover, the mission will provide valuable research data on the effects of space radiation on the human body, as the crew travels through the Van Allen belts. They will also test Starlink’s satellite internet for communication with Earth and carry out studies on decompression sickness and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome.
When Will Polaris Dawn Launch?
The Polaris Dawn mission is scheduled to launch as early as Wednesday, August 28th. SpaceX has targeted a 3:38 AM ET (12:38 AM PT / 7:38 AM GMT) launch time, with backup windows at 5:23 AM ET (2:23 AM PT / 9:23 AM GMT) and 7:09 AM ET (4:09 AM PT / 11:09 AM GMT). The mission was initially set to launch on Tuesday morning but was postponed to investigate a helium leak on the Quick Disconnect umbilical.
The Crew Dragon capsule will be launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.
How to Watch the Polaris Dawn Launch
You can watch the Polaris Dawn mission live on SpaceX’s official website and its X (formerly Twitter) page. The coverage is set to begin around 12:05 AM ET (9:05 PM PT / 4:05 AM GMT) on the day of the launch. The spacewalk, scheduled for the third day of the mission, will also be livestreamed on these platforms.
Stay tuned for more updates on this historic mission as SpaceX continues to push the boundaries of space exploration.
