SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission sets new milestones in commercial spaceflight
- In Reports
- 10:05 PM, Sep 10, 2024
- Myind Staff
In a landmark event for private space exploration, SpaceX achieved a significant milestone with the successful launch of the Polaris Dawn mission. The mission lifted off from Kennedy Space Centre’s Launch Complex 39A on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, at 1:08 pm IST.
The Polaris Dawn mission, spearheaded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, represents the inaugural flight of the ambitious Polaris program, with two more missions planned. This launch comes after several delays attributed to technical challenges and adverse weather conditions. The success of the mission was dependent on not only achieving favourable conditions for liftoff but also for the planned splashdown at the conclusion of the five-day orbital journey.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft, carrying four civilian astronauts, embarked on a five-day mission designed to advance commercial space exploration. In addition to Jared Isaacman, the crew includes pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX employees Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon.
Polaris Dawn aims to set several historic records, including reaching the highest Earth orbit since the Apollo program, with a targeted apogee of 870 miles (1,400 kilometres).
This trajectory will take the crew through sections of the Van Allen radiation belt, providing a unique opportunity for crucial research on the impact of space radiation on human health.
A highly anticipated element of the mission is the planned first-ever commercial spacewalk. On the third day of the mission, Isaacman and Gillis are expected to undertake this historic extravehicular activity (EVA), using SpaceX’s newly developed EVA suits designed for future long-duration space missions.
The crew will perform around 40 scientific experiments during the mission, including brain imaging and X-ray tests utilising natural space radiation. They will also test Starlink’s laser-based communications technology in space, offering valuable insights for future deep space missions.
As Polaris Dawn orbits Earth, it embodies the hopes of future commercial space ventures and holds the promise of advancing our understanding of human spaceflight. The mission's results are highly anticipated, with the potential to pave the way for more ambitious private space missions in the future.
Image source: CGWALL
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