SpaceX Makes History with First Spacewalk by Polaris Dawn Crew

SpaceX achieved a significant milestone in its mission to send humans to other planets by successfully completing its first-ever spacewalk. In a historic event, civilians Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis, crew members of the private Polaris Dawn mission, ventured outside SpaceX’s Dragon capsule “Resilience.” This marked the first time that individuals who were not government astronauts performed a spacewalk.

The spacewalk, also known as extravehicular activity (EVA), lasted approximately two hours. During this time, Isaacman and Gillis tested the mobility of the specially designed spacesuits that SpaceX had spent over two years developing. This accomplishment is crucial to SpaceX’s goal of ensuring astronaut safety in the harsh environment of space.

Isaacman, the commander of the mission and the founder of payments company Shift4, expressed his awe at the view of Earth from space. “Back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world,” he said upon emerging from the spacecraft.

The Polaris Dawn mission is not only focused on spacewalks but also aims to push the boundaries of private spaceflight. Isaacman, who previously led the Inspiration4 mission in 2021, believes that showcasing different and innovative aspects of space travel is what excites and inspires people. He wants to provide a glimpse of what the future holds for space exploration.

In addition to the spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn crew has achieved other remarkable milestones. The spacecraft reached an orbit of more than 1,400 kilometers from Earth, marking the furthest distance humans have traveled in space since the Apollo program. The crew is also conducting around 40 science and research experiments, further advancing our understanding of space and its potential applications.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Polaris Dawn mission is its fundraising efforts for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. By combining the pursuit of scientific knowledge with philanthropy, the mission aims to make a positive impact on society.

SpaceX’s successful spacewalk demonstrates the company’s commitment to making space travel more accessible and advancing the frontiers of human exploration. It also highlights the importance of private sector involvement in space missions, showcasing the capabilities and innovations that can arise when driven by a vision to push boundaries.

As SpaceX continues to pioneer new achievements in space, it sets the stage for a future where space travel becomes more commonplace. Through their efforts, the Polaris Dawn crew and SpaceX are inspiring a new generation of explorers and fueling excitement about the possibilities that lie ahead in the realm of space exploration.