SpaceX is gearing up for its next private astronaut launch this summer with the highly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission. This mission is set to make history as it will involve the first extravehicular activity (EVA) tasks conducted by private astronauts.
In preparation for the mission, SpaceX recently unveiled a new EVA spacesuit design on their website and social media channels. The spacesuit is specifically designed to protect astronauts in the vacuum of space while also improving mobility. It features thermal material and technology that is used in SpaceX’s Falcon and Dragon spacecrafts. Additionally, the suit includes a heads-up display in the helmet to monitor the suit’s internal conditions and mission clock.
Mission commander Jared Isaacman has been at the forefront of funding Polaris Dawn and raising money for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Polaris Program consists of three missions, with the ultimate goal of a crewed flight of the Starship.
The crew for the Polaris Dawn mission includes a retired US Air Force Lieutenant Colonel and SpaceX operations engineers. The mission aims to push the boundaries of space travel with a higher altitude flight experience. The crew plans to complete up to 40 experiments during the five-day mission, including a spacewalk.
Modifications have been made to the Crew Dragon capsule to allow for EVA tasks and the depressurization of the cabin. The entire crew will wear SpaceX’s EVA suits for launch, landing, and mission EVA tasks.
Isaacman emphasized the importance of commercial EVAs for the future exploration of the moon and Mars. The Polaris Dawn mission is set to be a groundbreaking advancement in private space travel, showcasing SpaceX’s dedication to pushing the limits of human space exploration.
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