Polaris Dawn Mission to Feature First Private Spacewalk

The Polaris Dawn mission, set to launch on August 26, 2024, will mark a significant milestone in private space exploration as it includes the first-ever commercial spacewalk performed by astronauts outside a spacecraft. Led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, the mission aims to reach an unprecedented altitude of 870 miles, surpassing the previous crewed record of 850 miles set by Gemini XI in 1966. The crew, consisting of Isaacman, Scott Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon, will conduct over 40 scientific experiments, including testing laser-based Starlink communications and addressing space motion sickness. The mission is expected to last six days and will also support fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Notably, the Crew Dragon spacecraft has been redesigned to facilitate the spacewalk, as it lacks a traditional airlock. Isaacman emphasizes the potential for this mission to change the trajectory of human space exploration.