SpaceX to Launch Historic Commercial Spacewalk Mission
Billionaire Jared Isaacman and SpaceX crew will conduct the first commercial spacewalks during the Polaris Dawn mission.
SpaceX is set to launch the Polaris Dawn flight, featuring a billionaire crew member and the first commercial spacewalks. Jared Isaacman, who led the Inspiration4 mission in 2021, will be joined by three crewmates on this groundbreaking endeavor.
Isaacman and Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX crew trainer, will conduct spacewalks outside the Crew Dragon spacecraft, testing innovative SpaceX-designed suits. The remaining crew members, Scott Poteet and Anna Menon, will remain inside the cabin.
The mission aims to advance the development of lower-cost spacesuits for future space exploration. It will also set a new altitude record for Earth-orbit missions, surpassing the International Space Station and Apollo moon missions.
In addition to the spacewalks, the Polaris Dawn flight will conduct various experiments, including testing a high-tech laser communications link and conducting biomedical research. The mission will also benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through fundraising efforts and partnerships.