SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission is set to launch on October 26, marking a significant milestone in the company's ambitious plans for space exploration. The mission will break records, test new technologies, and support scientific research, all while raising funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
An artist’s rendition of what the first ever commercial spacewalk by Polaris Dawn crew would look like
Image Credit: SpaceX/Polaris Dawn
Led by Jared Isaacman, the Polaris Dawn crew consists of experienced individuals, including a former Air Force F-16 pilot, a SpaceX engineer, and a medical officer. The four-person crew will comprise billionaire Jared Isaacman, colleague Scott Poteet, and two SpaceX employees, Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, The team has spent two and a half years preparing for the mission, which will launch on a Falcon 9 rocket from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A.
Mission Objectives:
1. Altitude Record: Reach an altitude of 1,400 km, the farthest humans have traveled since the Apollo era.
2. Commercial Spacewalk: Conduct the first ever commercial spacewalk, testing the new SpaceX Eva suit.
3. Communication System: Test a new communication system using Starlink laser link technology.
4. Science and Research: Conduct approximately 40 scientific experiments during the mission.
Polaris Dawn Crew during the mission briefing image Credit: Polaris
SpaceX's Eva Suit:
The new Eva suit has undergone significant development, with a focus on safety, mobility, and thermal protection. The suit features a heads-up display, helmet camera, and redundant systems for oxygen supply and valves.
Mission Timeline:
- Launch: No earlier than October 26
- Altitude record: First day on orbit
- Spacewalk: Second day on orbit
- Communication system test: Third day on orbit
- Science and research experiments: Throughout the mission
Supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital:
The Polaris Dawn mission continues SpaceX's tradition of supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with a goal of raising millions of dollars for the organization.
Add comment
Comments