Next week, SpaceX is set to make history with the first in-flight test of their new extravehicular (EVA) spacesuits and the first commercial spacewalk. The Polaris Dawn crew, consisting of Jared Isaacman, Scott 'Kidd' Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon, will embark on a five-day mission funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, with the main scientific objective being the first commercial spacewalk.
The crew will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a SpaceX rocket and will conduct the spacewalk 700 kilometers above Earth three days into the mission. The mission has been two-and-a-half years in the making and aims to build off NASA's heritage while extending it further. SpaceX founder Elon Musk's ultimate goal of colonizing Mars highlights the importance of these spacesuits in advancing space exploration.
In addition to the spacewalk, the crew will orbit at a higher altitude than the International Space Station (ISS) to study space radiation on the human body. They will also conduct health experiments, including studying changes in the eye during and after spaceflight, and test a new form of laser communication using Starlink satellites.
The crew members express their excitement for the mission, with Anna Menon stating that she is looking forward to experiencing space firsthand. Jared Isaacman, who was part of the first all-civilian Inspiration4 mission in 2021, emphasizes the importance of continuing space exploration for future generations.
Overall, the upcoming SpaceX mission represents a significant step in advancing commercial spaceflight and space exploration. With a focus on scientific objectives and safety, the Polaris Dawn crew is prepared to make history and contribute to our understanding of space beyond Earth's orbit.