The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission is poised to make history as the first commercial spaceflight to include a spacewalk. Billionaire Jared Isaacman is funding the mission, which is scheduled to launch no earlier than July 31, 2024, from Florida’s Space Coast.
Polaris Dawn will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft, aiming to reach an altitude of approximately 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) above Earth. This will be the highest-altitude crewed flight since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s. For comparison, the International Space Station orbits at roughly 250 miles (400 kilometers).
Polaris Dawn is set to achieve several “firsts” in the realm of space exploration:
- First Private Spacewalk: The mission will mark the first time a commercial crew conducts an extravehicular activity (EVA), a landmark achievement in private spaceflight.
- Highest Altitude Since Apollo: The mission aims to reach an altitude of approximately 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), the highest for any crewed flight since the Apollo moon missions.
- First All-Private Scientific Mission: Conducting 38 science experiments, Polaris Dawn will contribute valuable data on spaceflight and space radiation’s effects on human health, all under the auspices of a private mission.
A highlight of the mission is the planned spacewalk, the first-ever conducted by a private crew. Isaacman and Gillis will exit the Dragon capsule for a brief extravehicular activity (EVA), utilizing bespoke SpaceX spacesuits designed specially for this mission.
At first glance, the spacesuit used by regular Crew Dragon crews and the one for the Polaris Dawn mission might appear identical, but they have several key differences. Reports indicate that the joints have been redesigned to maintain flexibility even when pressurized. Additionally, enhancements have been made to the thermal management system and the helmet’s visor, which now features an outer coating that acts as a sunshade. The suit is also equipped with a camera and a heads-up display to monitor crucial parameters and values.
A big difference from the EMU spacesuits used by NASA for ISS extravehicular activities (EVAs) is that the Polaris Dawn astronauts will not have a portable life support system during their EVA. Instead, they will receive oxygen and cooling water through hoses connected to the Dragon spacecraft. However, Isaacman anticipates that a portable life support system for the SpaceX suit will be developed in the future.
The Dragon spacecraft has been modified to depressurize and allow the forward hatch to be opened for the spacewalk. The upgraded spacesuits feature enhanced mobility, new thermal management textiles, materials borrowed from Falcon’s interstage and Dragon’s trunk, a helmet camera, and a new hi-tech heads-up display (HUD).
The mission will also conduct 38 science experiments to study the effects of spaceflight and space radiation on human health. The initial highly elliptical orbit will have a lower altitude of 120 miles (190 kilometers), minimizing the crew’s exposure to the Van Allen Belts’ radiation. Upon completing the experiments, the altitude will be reduced to 430 miles (700 kilometers).
The Crew
The Polaris Dawn mission will feature a four-person crew, including Mission Commander Jared Isaacman, Mission Pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet, and Mission Specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Poteet, a retired United States Air Force (USAF) Lieutenant Colonel, brings extensive aviation and leadership experience. Gillis and Menon, both SpaceX operations engineers, are integral to the mission’s technical and operational success.
Part of Isaacman’s Polaris Program, Polaris Dawn is an all-private human spaceflight initiative. The program aims to push the boundaries of commercial space exploration and achieve several notable “firsts” in space history. Jared Isaacman, founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, commands the Polaris Dawn mission. He is an accomplished pilot and entrepreneur with a long-standing passion for aviation and space.
The crew’s training schedule has been intense and evolving. In a “Spaces” discussion on X (formerly Twitter) on May 4, Poteet highlighted the rigorous preparation process, which builds on NASA’s extensive experience in identifying and managing stressful environments and situations. The training focuses on understanding the strengths and areas for improvement within the team.
Raising Money For Childhood Cancer
Isaacman previously commanded the all-civilian Inspiration 4 mission in September 2021, showcasing the potential for private space missions to contribute to philanthropic causes. The mission, which raised $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, highlighted Isaacman’s commitment to combining space exploration with charitable endeavors. He intends to continue supporting St. Jude through the Polaris missions, aiming to inspire hope and innovation while aiding in the fight against childhood cancer. You can learn more about St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital here.
The Polaris Dawn mission, with its ambitious goals, will make history and pave the way for future private space endeavors. Private space stations are already on the drawing boards, and construction will rely on some of the same technology demonstrated by the Polaris Dawn Mission.
