Launch of Polaris Dawn
The Polaris Dawn mission, which aimed to do the first-ever commercial spacewalk, created spaceflight history early on September 10, 2024.The four-person mission launched at 5:23 a.m. EDT (0923 GMT) atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex-39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This historic launch pad, renowned for hosting Apollo moon missions, provided a fitting backdrop for this groundbreaking journey.
The Falcon 9 rocket roared into the sky with nine Merlin engines igniting and lighting up the waters around KSC. After overcoming a series of delays, including weather issues and technical glitches, the rocket successfully lifted off. Approximately two minutes and 40 seconds into the flight, the first stage of the rocket separated, and the booster landed safely on SpaceX’s droneship, Just Read the Instructions, stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
Mission Milestones and Crew
Just over 12 minutes after liftoff, the Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Resilience, separated from the Falcon 9’s upper stage. The mission is notable not just for its spacewalk but also for its crew composition: tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, former U.S. Scott “Kidd” Poteet, an Air Force pilot, and Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, employees of SpaceX. This is the first spacewalk carried out by a private individual, making it a historic mission.
The goal of the Polaris Dawn mission is to beat the record established by NASA’s Project Gemini in 1966 by reaching a height of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) above Earth. After spending around ten hours at this high altitude, the crew will descend to 435 miles (700 kilometers) in orbit. This would place them higher than the International Space Station and even the Hubble Space Telescope.
Weather Challenges and Technical Preparations
The launch faced multiple delays due to weather conditions and technical issues, including a helium leak and adverse forecasts. Despite these setbacks, SpaceX successfully managed to launch on the second of three available opportunities. The mission was initially slated for August 26 but was postponed to allow for additional preflight checks and to ensure favorable conditions for both launch and recovery.
SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft, Resilience, is making its third trip to space after previous missions. The spacecraft will be in orbit for just over five days, during which time the crew will attempt the historic spacewalk. The spacewalk itself will involve Isaacman and SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis briefly exiting the spacecraft, tethered to it, to test new spacesuits developed for this mission. These suits, essential for the spacewalk, will be tested in the harsh environment of space, although the crew will remain tethered and not venture far from the spacecraft.
Captured on Video: A Massachusetts Resident’s Perspective
Gerry Haas from Abington, Massachusetts, captured the Polaris Dawn launch on video from his home. He shared his excitement about watching the launch and the small dot of the capsule moving across the sky. Haas, who has long followed the space program, marveled at the speed and spectacle of the launch, contrasting it with his own experiences of traveling to Florida.
SPACEX POLARIS DAWN MISSION LAUNCHES INTO HISTORY BOOKS
The mission will feature the first commercial spacewalk in human history and will orbit further away from the Earth than any spaceflight has in 50 years.
Source: @SpaceX pic.twitter.com/Iv72TAycI7
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) September 10, 2024Future Implications and Goals
Aiming to push the limits of private spaceflight, test new technologies, and break records, the Polaris Dawn mission is the first of three that the Polaris Program has planned. The mission will also test Starlink technology while sending its crew further from Earth than anyone since the Apollo missions.
Jared Isaacman, who funded this mission, is also leading a push for more private sector involvement in space exploration. His previous mission, Inspiration4, helped raise substantial funds for charity and marked another milestone in private space travel. The Polaris Dawn mission continues this trend, aiming to set new records and pave the way for future space exploration.
As the crew embarks on this historic journey, their mission will not only test new technologies but also inspire future generations of explorers. With SpaceX’s innovative approach and the Polaris Dawn team’s determination, this mission is set to make a significant impact on the future of private space travel.
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