This week, SpaceX is set to launch the first mission of the Polaris Program, named “Polaris Dawn,” marking a significant milestone in the evolution of human space exploration. This Crew Dragon mission, funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, who previously commanded the private all-civilian Inspiration4 mission, is designed to push the boundaries of what is possible in space. The Polaris Program is a series of human spaceflight missions focused on advancing technology, conducting cutting-edge scientific research, and preparing for future deep space missions.
The mission is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket during a four-hour window opening no earlier than 3:13 a.m. EDT (07:13 UTC) August 27. The four-person crew is traveling in Dragon “Resilience,” which will be on its third flight. In addition to Isaacman as the mission’s commander, the crew includes pilot Scott Poteet and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.
Unlike typical Dragon missions targeting the International Space Station, Polaris Dawn will be circling Earth solo.
Pioneering a high Earth orbit
One of the most ambitious goals of Polaris Dawn is to reach the highest Earth orbit ever achieved by humans, not counting those who traveled to the Moon during the Apollo program. This mission aims to reach 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), surpassing the altitudes reached by the Gemini missions in the 1960s, which ventured as high as 850 miles (1,368 kilometers) above Earth.
By ascending to this altitude, more than three times higher than the International Space Station, the crew will have the opportunity to conduct unique observations of Earth’s atmosphere and space environment. This will provide invaluable data for both scientific research and future space missions.
Breaking ground with the first commercial spacewalk
A key highlight of the Polaris Dawn mission is a planned spacewalk. This will be the first commercial extravehicular activity in history, a bold step forward for private space exploration.
During the spacewalk, crew members will exit the Dragon spacecraft to test new spacesuits, based on SpaceX’s existing intravehicular activity pressure suits astronauts use during launch and reentry. They are expected to evaluate procedures that could be crucial for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
The successful execution of this spacewalk could set a new standard for commercial space operations and open up new possibilities for human activity in space.
Advancing space communications and research
Another critical objective of Polaris Dawn is to test SpaceX’s Starlink laser communications in space. This technology is expected to enhance space-based internet and communication capabilities, providing faster and more reliable connections.
The mission will also include a series of medical and scientific experiments, focusing on the effects of radiation and microgravity on the human body. The data collected could have significant implications for long-duration spaceflights, including those planned for Mars exploration.
Studying Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome
A particularly important aspect of the Polaris Dawn mission is the study of Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS), a condition that affects vision during prolonged spaceflight.
The crew will undergo a range of eye tests before, during, and after the mission to monitor changes in their vision and the structure of their eyes. These tests include advanced imaging techniques such as optical coherence tomography.
SANS is believed to result from fluid shifts in microgravity that increase pressure inside the skull, potentially impacting eye health. Understanding and mitigating this condition is crucial for the success of future long-duration missions.
As the launch date approaches, Polaris Dawn is poised to make history, demonstrating the potential of private space missions to achieve new heights and expand the frontiers of human knowledge and capability.
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