Two astronauts have made history by completing the first commercial spacewalk at Polaris Dawn, testing slimmed-down spacesuits designed by SpaceX in a bold attempt to push the boundaries of privately funded spaceflight. The mission, chartered by billionaire Jared Isaacman, marks a significant milestone in the evolution of space exploration.
### The Historic Spacewalk
Hundreds of miles above Earth, orbiting at close to 30,000km/h (18,600mph), Jared Isaacman, 41, exited the Crew Dragon capsule at 11.52am BST on Thursday, becoming the first non-space agency astronaut to conduct a spacewalk. Sarah Gillis, a senior engineer at SpaceX, followed him, conducting movement tests to assess the functionality of the new SpaceX spacesuit in the vacuum of space.
The spacewalk took place at an altitude of 435 miles (700km), with the Crew Dragon capsule completely depressurized. This meant that the entire crew, including those who remained inside the capsule, relied on their spacesuits for oxygen and pressure. The new SpaceX suit, a much less bulky design compared to traditional Nasa equipment, proved to be efficient and effective in the challenging conditions of space.
### Advancements in Private Spaceflight
Traditionally, only well-funded government agencies have been able to conduct spacewalks, known as EVAs (extravehicular activities). However, with private companies like SpaceX leading the way in spaceflight, the landscape of space exploration is rapidly changing. The success of the Polaris Dawn mission represents a significant step forward for the commercial space industry and NASA’s long-term goal to build a vibrant US space economy.
NASA has contracted SpaceX to land astronauts, including the first woman, on the moon within this decade. Bill Nelson, the NASA chief, hailed Thursday’s successful EVA as a giant leap forward for commercial spaceflight and the future of space exploration. The collaboration between private companies and government agencies is paving the way for new advancements in space technology and exploration.
### The Vision of SpaceX and Elon Musk
Elon Musk’s SpaceX has played a crucial role in the advancement of private spaceflight, operating missions like Polaris Dawn and Inspiration4. Musk’s vision extends beyond Earth’s orbit, with plans to take astronauts back to the moon and eventually to Mars. SpaceX is currently developing the Starship, the largest and most powerful rocket ever built, to achieve these ambitious goals.
The success of missions like Polaris Dawn and Inspiration4 showcases the potential for making access to space easier and more cost-effective. While space tourism remains a luxury reserved for the ultra-rich, the involvement of private businesses in space exploration is opening up new possibilities for future missions and advancements in technology.
### The Legacy of Spacewalks
The concept of spacewalks dates back to the Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov, who became the first person to “walk” in space on March 18, 1965. His mission highlighted the risks associated with designing spacesuits, as Leonov’s suit inflated in the vacuum of space, making it difficult for him to re-enter the spacecraft. Over the years, space agencies have refined spacesuit technology to ensure the safety and efficiency of astronauts during EVAs.
Tim Peake, the last British astronaut to go into space, emphasized the importance of mobility and functionality in new EVA suits. The feedback from astronauts like Isaacman and Gillis will provide valuable insights for future space missions, including deep space travel and space tourism. The advancements in spacesuit technology are crucial for enabling astronauts to perform complex tasks in the harsh environment of space.
### The Future of Space Exploration
As private companies like SpaceX continue to push the boundaries of space exploration, the possibilities for future missions are endless. The Polaris Dawn mission is just one example of the innovation and collaboration that is driving the commercial space industry forward. With plans to explore deep space and establish a presence on the moon and Mars, the future of space exploration is brighter than ever before.
The Polaris Dawn crew’s mission to travel through portions of the Van Allen radiation belt and analyze the effects of space radiation on their bodies demonstrates the commitment to advancing scientific research and understanding the challenges of space travel. As technology continues to evolve and new opportunities arise, the dream of space tourism and interplanetary exploration is becoming a reality.
In conclusion, the first commercial spacewalk at Polaris Dawn marks a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. With private companies like SpaceX leading the way, the future of spaceflight is filled with endless possibilities and opportunities for scientific discovery. As we look towards the stars, the legacy of missions like Polaris Dawn will inspire future generations to reach for new heights in the exploration of the cosmos.