SpaceX is gearing up for its monumental Polaris Dawn mission, which will see four astronauts journey into orbit aboard its Crew Dragon capsule. This five-day mission through the Van Allen radiation belts will mark the first spacewalk conducted by private astronauts. Let’s delve into the details of this historic mission and how you can catch it live.
The Crew Members and Objectives
The Polaris Dawn mission, initially announced in 2022, is financed by billionaire and private astronaut Jared Isaacman. Alongside Isaacman, three other privately-trained astronauts will join the mission, including retired US Air Force fighter pilot Scott Poteet, as well as SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis. The spacewalk, scheduled to take place around 430 miles above Earth, will involve Isaacman and Gillis.
Not only will the astronauts embark on the spacewalk, but they will also test SpaceX’s extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits. These advanced suits are crafted with new materials to enhance mobility and feature a 3D-printed helmet with a heads-up display and glare-mitigating visor. With the absence of an airlock in the Crew Dragon capsule, all four crew members will wear these upgraded suits during the spacewalk.
Apart from the spacewalk and suit testing, the Polaris Dawn mission aims to contribute to scientific research on the effects of space radiation on the human body. The astronauts will also evaluate Starlink’s satellite internet technology for communication with Earth and conduct studies on decompression sickness and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome.
This groundbreaking mission sets out to push the boundaries of space exploration and technology while advancing our understanding of the challenges and opportunities of extended space travel.
Polaris Dawn is scheduled to lift off on Tuesday, August 27th, with SpaceX targeting a 3:38 AM ET launch time from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. In case of any delays, backup launch times are set for 5:23 AM ET and 7:09 AM ET.
Viewers can watch the mission unfold through a livestream on SpaceX’s website and X page, with coverage commencing around 12:05 AM ET. The highly anticipated spacewalk, set for the third day of the mission, will also be available for live viewing. Stay tuned to witness this historic moment in space exploration.
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