Sarah Gillis, SpaceX Engineer: She highlighted the innovative training approach for the Polaris Dawn crew. Unlike traditional astronaut training, which often involves underwater simulations to mimic microgravity, SpaceX has utilized a vertical capsule simulator with a suspension system at their Hawthorne facility. This setup allows crew members to practice spacewalks in a high-fidelity microgravity environment, effectively simulating the experience of stepping out of a spacecraft’s hatch. Gillis emphasized that this method was developed to accommodate the unique requirements of this mission and represents a new direction in astronaut training (Space.com).
Polaris Dawn, a groundbreaking all-civilian space mission, is slated to launch this Tuesday. If successful, this mission will mark several historical firsts, including the first commercial spacewalk by private astronauts. The crew will journey into Earth’s upper orbit aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule, contributing crucial advancements for future deep space explorations to destinations like Mars.
SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission from Florida will attempt 1st private spacewalk and more. Here’s everything to know #SpaceX #InternationalSpaceStation #Spacedebris #Spacestationhttps://t.co/NEyn5os1tl
— Charles B. Ledford (@CharlesBLedford) August 26, 2024
Billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who led the 2021 Inspiration4 mission—the first private orbital spaceflight—has teamed up with SpaceX’s Elon Musk to fund Polaris Dawn. The mission aims to achieve several unprecedented milestones and lay the groundwork for future endeavors in deep space exploration. A successful mission would represent a significant step forward in preparing for the challenges of extended space missions.
Initially set for an early Monday launch, the mission experienced a 24-hour delay. Now scheduled for Tuesday, the launch is contingent on favorable weather conditions and the spacecraft’s readiness.
The Polaris Dawn crew arrived last week at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will lift off aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule atop a Falcon 9 rocket, with a planned liftoff at 3:38 a.m. ET. The launch window remains open until 7 a.m. should there be any delays. An alternative launch time is also available for Wednesday if needed.
Space enthusiasts can watch the launch live through a webcast on SpaceX’s social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), beginning about three and a half hours before the scheduled liftoff. NASA is also offering tickets for those interested in experiencing the event in person at the Kennedy Space Center. FLORIDA TODAY will provide extensive coverage starting two hours before the planned launch.
The Polaris Dawn mission is not going to a space station. Instead, it is going farther than anyone has traveled since the Apollo 17 mission went to the moon in 1972.
The upside of the journey is that it will test new technologies and gather data…https://t.co/rKa5o3yS4T
— Ann Kelly (@AnnYeahAnn) August 26, 2024
The mission is set to begin with a launch that takes the crew through the inner regions of Earth’s Van Allen radiation belt, reaching an altitude of 870 miles before descending to a stable orbit of about 435 miles above Earth. Following this, the crew will prepare for a spacewalk, ensuring that all extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, specially designed by SpaceX, are ready for use. On this day, Mission Specialist Anna Menon will also read a children’s book she authored to her kids and patients at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as part of the mission’s outreach activities.
The mission will feature a spacewalk streamed live for viewers. Due to the lack of an airlock on the Dragon capsule, the entire interior will be exposed to the vacuum of space during the activity, meaning all four astronauts must wear their suits to receive oxygen through tethers. In addition, the crew will test a new laser-based satellite communication system using Starlink and conduct around 40 scientific experiments to understand the human body’s response to extended spaceflights. The mission is expected to conclude with the crew re-entering Earth’s atmosphere and splashing down at one of seven designated sites off the Florida coast.
Quotes
- Chris Trigg, SpaceX’s Manager of Spacesuit Design: He discussed the development of SpaceX’s new EVA (extravehicular activity) suit for the mission. The suit is a thicker, upgraded version of the company’s intravehicular activity (IVA) spacesuit, designed to handle the rigors of spacewalking while maintaining the functionality required for launch and re-entry. Trigg mentioned that enhancements included improving thermal management and integrating in-helmet information displays and cameras. These modifications ensure that the suit can support the crew throughout the entire mission, from launch to splashdown, without the need for multiple suits (Space.com).
- Comments from Industry Observers: Many in the space industry view Polaris Dawn as a significant step toward the democratization of space travel. The mission will not only test SpaceX’s new EVA suits and Starlink laser-based communications in space but also push the boundaries of what is possible with civilian spaceflight. The mission aims to reach an apogee of 745 miles (1,200 kilometers), which is higher than any human spaceflight since the Apollo missions (Space.com, TechCrunch).
Key Points:
i. Polaris Dawn is an all-civilian space mission launching Tuesday, aiming for several historic firsts, including the first commercial spacewalk by private astronauts.
ii. Funded by Jared Isaacman and SpaceX’s Elon Musk, the mission builds on the success of the 2021 Inspiration4 mission.
iii. The launch, initially delayed by 24 hours, will occur at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with a backup window available.
iv. The mission includes various activities, such as a spacewalk, satellite communication tests, and scientific experiments.
v. The crew will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the Florida coast after completing their mission.
Kirk Volo – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News