SpaceX is poised to embark on its most ambitious mission yet with Polaris Dawn, set to launch on Tuesday. This five-day journey will not only mark SpaceX’s first-ever private spacewalk but also test cutting-edge technology, including streamlined spacesuits and a modified Crew Dragon spacecraft cabin devoid of an airlock.
Leading the mission is billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, joined by a retired military pilot and two SpaceX engineers. Two days into the mission, the crew will conduct a 20-minute spacewalk at an unprecedented altitude of 700 kilometers above Earth—significantly higher than spacewalks traditionally performed by government astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
The spacewalk, a key objective of Polaris Dawn, will require meticulous preparation. Starting two days prior, the crew will undergo a “pre-breathe” process to fill the cabin with pure oxygen, eliminating nitrogen from their bloodstreams to prevent decompression sickness, commonly known as “the bends.” During the spacewalk, two astronauts will be tethered with oxygen lines, relying entirely on their spacesuits for life support as the cabin is depressurized.
SpaceX’s innovative approach includes the use of slimline spacesuits, allowing the Crew Dragon’s entire cabin to be depressurized without the need for an airlock. This procedure enables the hatch to open directly into the vacuum of space, a first for a private mission.
In addition to pushing the boundaries of spacewalk technology, Polaris Dawn will serve as a platform for scientific experiments. The crew will monitor for nitrogen bubbles in their bloodstreams, providing valuable data on how the human body adapts to deep-space environments, which is essential for future missions to destinations like the Moon and beyond.
Polaris Dawn represents a significant step forward in private space exploration, demonstrating SpaceX’s commitment to expanding human spaceflight capabilities. By undertaking this mission, SpaceX and its crew are paving the way for more ambitious endeavors in the commercial space sector.
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SpaceX to launch first private spacewalk mission with Polaris Dawn
cgtn.com
