SpaceX's Polaris Dawn to Take Crew 870 Miles from Earth

SpaceX is preparing to launch the Polaris Dawn mission, which will send a crew of tourists and SpaceX employees 870 miles above Earth, surpassing the altitude of the International Space Station and achieving the highest point of human spaceflight since the Apollo program.

The Polaris Dawn mission will utilize the full capabilities of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft to reach this unprecedented altitude. Key objectives include conducting the first commercial extravehicular activity (EVA) at approximately 700 kilometers above Earth.

During this EVA, the crew will test newly developed SpaceX spacesuits, designed with enhanced mobility, an advanced helmet heads-up display, and improved thermal management. These innovations are intended to pave the way for scalable spacesuits necessary for future long-duration missions, such as establishing lunar bases or colonizing Mars, according to Quartz.

The mission will also test Starlink’s laser-based communication system, aimed at providing critical data for future deep-space communications. Additionally, Polaris Dawn will focus on health impact research, including the monitoring of venous gas emboli using ultrasound, studying the effects of space radiation on biological systems, and researching Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS). These studies will be conducted in collaboration with organizations such as the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), BioServe Space Technologies, and various academic institutions.

A unique aspect of Polaris Dawn is its approach to spacewalks. Unlike traditional methods, the Dragon capsule will be gradually depressurized over 45 hours, allowing the crew to conduct their spacewalk in a vacuum environment without the use of a standard airlock.

Sponsored by Doritos, the mission will be led by Jared Isaacman, an entrepreneur and former spaceflight participant, who will serve as Mission Commander. The crew also includes Scott Poteet as Mission Pilot, along with Mission Specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, who will also serve as Medical Officer.