The highly anticipated private astronaut mission, Polaris Dawn, which is set to feature the first-ever spacewalk from a Crew Dragon spacecraft, has experienced yet another delay. The mission, part of the Polaris Program backed by billionaire Jared Isaacman, was initially scheduled for launch in April but has now been pushed to at least the middle of this year.
In a recent announcement on social media, the Polaris Program stated that the additional time is necessary to ensure the successful completion of mission goals and the safe launch and return of the Dragon spacecraft and its crew. One of the key objectives of the mission is to perform a spacewalk, a historic milestone for the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This requires the development of an extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit that can be used outside the spacecraft, as well as modifications to the Crew Dragon to enable the depressurization and repressurization of its cabin before and after the spacewalk.
Jared Isaacman, the driving force behind the Polaris Program, acknowledged the challenges faced during the development process. He mentioned that the work on the spacesuit and related contingencies has been more difficult than anticipated. However, he remains optimistic, stating that momentum is building and progress is being made.
Industry sources reveal that SpaceX, the company responsible for the Crew Dragon spacecraft, underestimated the complexity of converting the existing pressure suit worn by astronauts inside the spacecraft into a fully functional EVA suit. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk acknowledged the need for redesigning the suit to improve mobility, emphasizing the importance of developing a high-mobility spacesuit that is both affordable and comfortable for astronauts.
While no images of the suits have been released by SpaceX or the Polaris Program, Isaacman described them as “heavier and bulkier” compared to the current Dragon pressure suits. All four members of the crew, including those remaining inside the spacecraft, will wear these suits during the mission, replacing the pressure suits used during launch and reentry.
In addition to the historic spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn mission will also test intersatellite communications using optical links between the Crew Dragon spacecraft and Starlink satellites. This technology has the potential to revolutionize communication capabilities in space. Furthermore, the mission will conduct important health research, including studies on the radiation environment at altitudes as high as 1,400 kilometers. This altitude surpasses any crewed mission since the Apollo 17 mission to the moon in 1972.
Despite the delays and challenges faced, the Polaris Dawn mission remains a significant milestone for the Polaris Program and the future of private astronaut missions. The successful development and utilization of the EVA suit will pave the way for future spacewalks and enhance the capabilities of Crew Dragon spacecraft. The mission’s focus on intersatellite communication and health research further demonstrates the program’s commitment to advancing space exploration and technology.
As we eagerly await the launch of the Polaris Dawn mission, it is evident that the dedication and perseverance of the Polaris Program and SpaceX will ultimately lead to the realization of this groundbreaking endeavor. The mission’s success will undoubtedly inspire future private astronaut missions and contribute to the ongoing exploration of space.