SpaceX will soon achieve a milestone with the first spacewalk conducted by a private company.
The inaugural spacewalk took place on March 18, 1965, when Soviet astronaut Aleksey Leonov floated in space for 12 minutes.
Since then, spacewalks have become routine for astronauts, aiding in research and ISS maintenance.
SPACEX POLARIS DAWN MISSION LAUNCHES INTO HISTORY BOOKS
The mission will feature the first commercial spacewalk in human history and will orbit further away from the Earth than any spaceflight has in 50 years.
Source: @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/Iv72TAycI7
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 10, 2024
On February 7, 1984, US astronaut Bruce McCandless II made history by performing a spacewalk untethered from his capsule. A famous photo captures him floating alone, surrounded by Earth’s curvature and the vastness of space.
The SpaceX crew will remain tethered during their walk, marking the first time civilians will conduct a spacewalk.
Historically, all spacewalks have involved individuals from government-backed programmes.
The SpaceX mission, dubbed ‘Polaris Dawn,’ launched today (September 10) with four private citizens on board for a five-day mission that aims to reach the highest orbital altitude since Apollo missions, targeting 870 miles above Earth.
Initially scheduled for late August, the launch faced delays due to a helium leak and adverse weather conditions off Florida’s coast, where the capsule will land upon return.
Now underway, the crew includes billionaire Jared Isaacman, retired Air Force Lt Col Scott ‘Kidd’ Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis.
Isaacman, whose net worth is estimated at $2 billion, is funding the mission alongside SpaceX, having previously participated in the first all-civilian orbit mission in 2021.
On the third day, Isaacman and Gillis will exit the spacecraft on a tether. Since the craft lacks a pressurised airlock, it will be fully depressurised during the walk.
The astronauts will test newly designed space suits during this mission.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Space.com article discusses SpaceX’s successful Polaris Dawn launch, featuring the first private spacewalk, and its crew’s mission to reach the highest orbital altitude since Apollo missions.(read more)
- NBC Miami reports on SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, which aims to carry four private citizens to the highest orbital altitude since 1972, featuring the first all-civilian spacewalk and testing new spacesuits and technologies.(read more)
- Space Daily reports on SpaceX’s launch of the Polaris Dawn mission, a historic orbital expedition for an all-civilian crew, including the first private spacewalk and a peak altitude of 870 miles, with a four-member team led by Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is significant about the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission?
It’s the first private company space walk and aims to reach the highest orbital altitude since 1972.
When did the first space walk occur?
The first space walk was on March 18, 1965, by Soviet astronaut Aleksey Leonov.
Who are the crew members of the Polaris Dawn mission?
The crew includes Jared Isaacman, Scott ‘Kidd’ Poteet, Anna Menon, and Sarah Gillis.
What will the crew do during the space walk?
They will conduct research while testing newly designed space suits.
Why was the Polaris Dawn launch delayed?
The launch was delayed due to a helium leak and adverse weather conditions.