Introduction:
A daredevil billionaire has embarked on a historic space mission, aiming to perform the first private spacewalk and venture further into space than anyone since NASA’s Apollo moonshots. Unlike his previous chartered flight, tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has partnered with SpaceX, sharing the cost and collaborating on the development and testing of new spacesuits. If successful, this will be the first time private citizens have conducted a spacewalk.
Developing New Spacesuits:
Jared Isaacman’s collaboration with SpaceX extends beyond cost-sharing. Together, they have worked on developing and testing brand new spacesuits specifically designed to withstand the harsh vacuum of space. This partnership not only highlights the growing involvement of the private sector in space exploration but also emphasizes the importance of safety and technological advancements in enabling private citizens to engage in spacewalks.
The Risk of Spacewalks:
Spacewalks have traditionally been the domain of professional astronauts, with the former Soviet Union leading the way in 1965. Today, spacewalks are routinely conducted at the International Space Station. However, they remain one of the riskiest parts of spaceflight. Isaacman, accompanied by SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, is set to challenge this tradition by performing a spacewalk during his mission.
Venturing Beyond the International Space Station:
Isaacman’s mission aims to push the boundaries of space exploration. The crew plans to reach an altitude of 870 miles, surpassing the Earth-lapping record set during NASA’s Project Gemini in 1966. This altitude has only been reached by the 24 Apollo astronauts who flew to the moon. The plan is to spend 10 hours at this height, exposed to extreme radiation and debris, before reducing the orbit to 435 miles. Even at this lower altitude, the orbit would surpass that of the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope.
The Challenges of Spacewalking:
Spacewalking requires specialized suits to protect astronauts from the dangerous environment of space. In this case, all four crew members will wear SpaceX’s spacewalking suits, as the entire Dragon capsule will be depressurized for the two-hour spacewalk. The astronauts will test their suits’ durability by performing body twists, ensuring they can maneuver safely. It’s important to note that these suits do not come equipped with jetpacks, unlike NASA’s suits at the International Space Station.
Monitoring and Support:
During the spacewalk, pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX’s Anna Menon will monitor the astronauts from inside the capsule. Their role is to ensure the safety and success of the mission. This arrangement aligns with SpaceX’s previous astronaut flights, which concluded with a splashdown off the Florida coast.
Acknowledging the Support:
Before liftoff, Launch Director Frank Messina sent well wishes to the crew, acknowledging the support of the thousands of individuals involved in the mission. Isaacman expressed gratitude to the team at SpaceX and the wider community cheering them on. This sense of collaboration and shared excitement further emphasizes the significance of private citizens engaging in space exploration.
The Future of Private Spaceflight:
Isaacman’s mission is the first of three trips he purchased from Elon Musk two and a half years ago. This ongoing partnership between Isaacman and SpaceX exemplifies the growing collaboration between the private sector and space exploration. Isaacman’s previous private SpaceX spaceflight in 2021 raised significant funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, highlighting the potential for private missions to support charitable causes.
Conclusion:
Jared Isaacman’s mission represents a significant milestone in private space exploration. Through his collaboration with SpaceX, he is not only pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight but also contributing to the development of new spacesuit technology. As private citizens become more involved in space exploration, the future holds exciting possibilities for humans to venture further into the final frontier.
