SpaceX’s Dragon Crew Capsule Modified for Polaris Dawn’s Historic Private Spacewalk
SpaceX is gearing up for a groundbreaking moment in space exploration with the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission. The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for this mission has undergone significant modifications to accommodate the first-ever private spacewalk, set to take place after the scheduled launch on August 27th. What sets Polaris Dawn’s Dragon apart from previous Dragons is not only the spacewalk preparations but also the ambitious altitude it will reach – flying above Earth at approximately 435 miles (700 kilometers), higher than any crewed spacecraft since the Apollo missions.
The Crew of Polaris Dawn
The crew of Polaris Dawn is composed of four astronauts, each bringing their unique expertise to the mission. Leading the mission is billionaire funder and commander Jared Isaacman, who previously flew, funded, and commanded the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021. Joining him is pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both of whom are SpaceX engineers.
Dragon Hatch and Life Support
One of the key modifications to the Dragon capsule for Polaris Dawn is the inclusion of a new motor for opening the hatch, essential for the upcoming private spacewalk. Unlike the procedures on the International Space Station and NASA’s retired space shuttle, the Dragon capsule lacks an airlock. This means that all four astronauts will have to don their spacesuits during the spacewalk, without the ability to purge nitrogen from their systems to avoid decompression sickness.
To address this challenge, the spacecraft will gradually lower its internal pressure while increasing the partial pressure of oxygen, effectively removing nitrogen from the astronauts’ bodies. This method, as explained by Sarah Gillis during a press conference, aims to reduce the risk of decompression sickness by carefully managing the atmospheric conditions within the Dragon capsule.
Starlink-Equipped Communication System
In addition to the spacewalk preparations, Polaris Dawn will feature a new communication system utilizing laser links provided by SpaceX’s Starlink broadband satellites. Jared Isaacman highlighted the advanced technology involved, with a laser mounted in the trunk of the spacecraft facilitating communication between Dragon and other Starlink satellites. This innovative approach to communication in space has the potential to revolutionize connectivity for future missions, including SpaceX’s Starship for interplanetary travel.
Isaacman emphasized the complexity of laser communications, especially considering the high speeds at which Dragon and the Starlink craft will be moving independently. This new system opens up possibilities for enhanced communication pathways not only for Dragon but also for other spacecraft and satellites in orbit.
Spacewalk Suits and Mobility Aids
The spacewalking suits designed for the Polaris Dawn mission have undergone significant upgrades to ensure the astronauts’ safety and comfort during the historic private spacewalk. A new thermal management system, incorporating materials used in Dragon’s trunk and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket, aims to regulate the astronauts’ temperature in the vacuum of space.
The visor of the suits features a copper coating for radiation protection, similar to the technology used on the wraparound cupola window of Inspiration4. Displays and cameras inside the helmet provide critical information to the astronauts during the spacewalk, enhancing their situational awareness. The suits also feature more flexible joints, an umbilical for life support, and a cooling knob to regulate internal temperature.
To aid mobility during the spacewalk, SpaceX has developed innovative mobility aids, including a new structure for gripping outside the Dragon’s hatch and handholds and footholds both inside and outside the spacecraft. These aids will enable the astronauts to move safely and efficiently in the frictionless environment of space, reminiscent of the early Gemini program spacewalks that laid the foundation for successful extravehicular activities.
Implications for Future Missions
The modifications and advancements made for the Polaris Dawn mission have far-reaching implications for future space exploration endeavors. The integration of laser communication technology, enhanced spacewalking suits, and mobility aids showcases SpaceX’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in space.
As technology continues to evolve, we can expect further innovations in communication systems, spacesuit design, and mobility assistance for astronauts embarking on missions beyond Earth’s orbit. The lessons learned from the Polaris Dawn mission will undoubtedly inform future spacewalks and exploration efforts, paving the way for new discoveries and achievements in the realm of space exploration.
In conclusion, the modifications made to the SpaceX Dragon Crew Capsule for the Polaris Dawn mission represent a significant milestone in private spaceflight. From the preparations for the first-ever private spacewalk to the innovative communication system and advanced spacesuit technology, the mission promises to push the boundaries of what is possible in space exploration. As we look ahead to the launch of Polaris Dawn and the historic moments that await, we can be sure that the legacy of this mission will shape the future of human spaceflight for years to come.
