SpaceX Polaris Dawn Mission one of the riskiest spacewalks

SpaceX is ready to launch US millionaire Jared Isaacman and three other people into orbit on its Polaris Dawn mission. The business is going to try to do the first-ever private spacewalk in history.

SpaceX most daring endeavors yet

US Air Force retired Lt. Col. Scott “Kid” Poteet will pilot the trip, while US billionaire Jared Isaacman will act as the mission commander. SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis will take on several crucial positions, including medical officer, mission specialist, and lead space operations engineer for crew operations development.

The mission is set to launch on August 27 at 3:38 AM PDT (4:08 PM IST) and will last for four hours. Resilience, the Crew Dragon spacecraft, and a Falcon 9 rocket will be carrying the payload. With its cabin lacking an airlock and its compact spacesuits, the five-day trip is expected to be among SpaceX’s most audacious undertakings to date, hence elevating the mission’s risk profile.

Key aspects of the mission

Spacewalk Risks: The mission will involve a spacewalk conducted without an airlock, requiring the entire Crew Dragon capsule to be depressurized. This setup increases the risks associated with extravehicular activities (EVA), including exposure to harmful radiation from the Van Allen Belts and potential impacts from space debris. The crew will wear new extravehicular activity suits developed by SpaceX, which are designed to protect against these dangers while allowing for mobility in space.
Scientific Objectives: In addition to the spacewalk, Polaris Dawn will conduct various scientific experiments, including studies on how radiation affects the human body at high altitudes. The mission aims to gather data that could inform future human explorations to the Moon and Mars, aligning with SpaceX’s long-term goals.
Crew Composition: The mission features a four-person crew: Jared Isaacman (Commander), Scott Poteet (Pilot), and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. They will engage in extensive testing of the new suits and perform a series of experiments during the five-day mission.
Historical Context: If successful, Polaris Dawn will mark the first non-government mission to conduct a spacewalk, setting a precedent for future private space endeavors. The mission is seen as a significant step in the evolution of commercial spaceflight, potentially paving the way for deeper space exploration.

The crew will travel through an orbit that puts them inside a radiation belt during the expedition. They will now open the door on the spacecraft and let the hostile atmosphere of space in.At a press conference earlier this week, SpaceX stated that it has already prepared some backup plans in case things don’t work out.