SpaceX’s Risky Mission: First Commercial Spacewalk and Flying Through Radiation Belts

SpaceX is set to embark on a daring mission with four private citizens who are not professional astronauts. The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, backed by billionaires, aims to conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk, pushing the boundaries of space exploration. Additionally, this mission could play a crucial role in advancing Elon Musk's ambitious plans for Mars.

SpaceX's Boldest Mission Yet

On Monday morning, SpaceX will launch four private citizens – none of whom are professional astronauts – aboard the Crew Dragon spaceship, riding atop a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission, dubbed Polaris Dawn, is spearheaded and funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, who will serve as the mission commander. This venture also aligns with Musk's vision of establishing human presence on Mars, marking a significant leap in space exploration.

Exploring New Frontiers in Space

The Polaris Dawn mission will venture into uncharted territory by flying through a radiation belt. The crew comprises former US Air Force pilot Scott Poteet, along with SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. During their five-day journey, they will travel farther from Earth than any human has gone in over 50 years, passing through the Van Allen radiation belts. This experience will provide valuable insights into the effects of space radiation on the human body, crucial for future Mars missions.

Innovative Spacewalk Plan

One of the highlights of the Polaris Dawn mission is a spacewalk scheduled for day three. At an altitude of about 700 kilometers above Earth, the crew will don cutting-edge spacesuits and exit the Crew Dragon spacecraft, a feat never before attempted. This spacewalk poses inherent risks, as the spacecraft's interior will be exposed to the vacuum of space. However, thorough testing and meticulous preparations have been carried out to mitigate potential hazards.

Testing New SpaceX Spacesuits

The spacewalk will also serve as a testing ground for SpaceX's latest extravehicular spacesuits, featuring advanced textiles and joint designs for improved mobility. These suits are equipped with a heads-up display in the mask, providing real-time data on internal pressure, temperature, and humidity. In this environment, the spacesuit becomes the sole protection for the wearer, highlighting the critical role it plays in ensuring astronaut safety.

Continuing the Mission with Starship

While the Polaris Dawn mission marks the beginning of SpaceX's Polaris program, details about future missions remain undisclosed. However, the program's third mission is slated to be the inaugural crewed flight of SpaceX's colossal Starship rocket. Designed to transport large numbers of passengers to Mars, Starship represents the next phase of interplanetary travel. With successful test flights, SpaceX aims to realize Musk's vision of establishing a human presence on the Red Planet.

As SpaceX continues to push boundaries and pioneer new technologies, the Polaris Dawn mission symbolizes a significant milestone in commercial space exploration. With a focus on innovation and collaboration, this mission sets the stage for future advancements in space travel and human settlement beyond Earth.

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By: mmcfalljohnsen@businessinsider.com (Morgan McFall-Johnsen)
Title: SpaceX’s Risky Mission: First Commercial Spacewalk and Flying Through Radiation Belts
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/spacex-launch-risky-polaris-dawn-mission-first-commercial-spacewalk-radiation-2024-8
Published Date: Wed, 21 Aug 2024 00:40:53 +0000