In a groundbreaking achievement, the crew of SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission made history by completing the world’s first commercial spacewalk. This event, also known as an extravehicular activity (EVA), took place from the Dragon spacecraft at an altitude of 732.2 km above Earth. The mission marked the first time a group of non-government astronauts performed a spacewalk.
The four-person crew, all civilians, ventured further into space than anyone has since the Apollo program 50 years ago. After reaching a record-high altitude, the Dragon spacecraft was lowered to 458 miles (737 km) at its highest point to begin the spacewalk.
Jared Isaacman, a tech entrepreneur and the mission’s commander, was the first to step out of the capsule. As he looked down on Earth, he expressed his awe, stating, “SpaceX, back at home we have a lot of work to do, but from here it looks like a perfect world.” Isaacman is also the American billionaire who financed the mission, making this spacewalk even more significant as he joined the elite group of spacewalkers, traditionally made up of government astronauts.
After Isaacman, SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis took her turn outside the Dragon capsule, following the same procedures. The other two crew members, former Air Force pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon, stayed inside the capsule to monitor the spacewalk.
The crew had undergone extensive training before the mission to prepare for this historic moment. During the spacewalk, they tested new EVA spacesuits developed by SpaceX. These suits, created in just two and a half years, offer more flexibility and comfort compared to traditional spacesuits, which are often bulky and restrictive.
The Polaris Dawn mission is set to last up to five days in orbit, flying higher than any previous Dragon mission. The crew will conduct several scientific experiments while in space. Additionally, the mission is testing a new communication system that uses lasers to connect with SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, which provide global internet coverage. This system could revolutionize communication for future space missions.
NASA’s Jancy McPhee emphasized the importance of such missions, stating that every space mission, whether involving commercial or NASA astronauts, helps expand our understanding of how spaceflight impacts human health. The data gathered from Polaris Dawn will be crucial in planning future missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
The Impact of Encouraging Billionaire-Led Space Travel
Encouraging billionaires to travel to space could bring both benefits and challenges:
Positive Effects:
1. Faster Tech Development: Billionaire-funded missions can speed up advancements in space technology and innovation.
2. More Investment: Their involvement could attract more private investment, boosting the space industry and creating jobs.
3. Inspiration: High-profile missions can inspire public interest in space and encourage careers in science and engineering.
4. Growth in Space Tourism: As billionaires participate, the cost of space travel could decrease, eventually making it more accessible.
Negative Effects:
1. Widening Inequality: Resources might be diverted from addressing critical issues on Earth, increasing the wealth gap.
2. Environmental Impact: More rocket launches could worsen climate change due to greenhouse gas emissions.
3. Space Debris: Increased space travel could lead to more congestion and debris in Earth’s orbit, posing risks to satellites and other missions.
4. Shifting Priorities: Private missions might prioritize personal or commercial goals over scientific research or global benefits.
In summary, billionaire-led space travel could drive innovation but also raises concerns about inequality, environmental harm, and the direction of space exploration.
