SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission is set to make history on September 12, 2023, with the first privately managed spacewalk. This groundbreaking endeavor will see billionaire Jared Isaacman, the mission leader, and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis venture outside the Crew Dragon capsule, orbiting Earth at an altitude of approximately 700 kilometers. The mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday, has already set the stage for a series of pioneering feats, including the first-ever commercial spacewalk.
The daring spacewalk underscores the constant evolution of space exploration, pushing the boundaries of what we once thought possible. But how dangerous are these seemingly routine extravehicular activities (EVAs)? A look back at the history of spacewalks reveals a fascinating tale of bravery, innovation, and the ever-present risk.
The first spacewalk was undertaken by Soviet cosmonaut Alexey Leonov on March 18, 1965, during the height of the space race. Tethered to his Voskhod 2 capsule, Leonov ventured into the void, his pioneering journey captured on film for all to witness. His spacewalk, lasting a mere 12 minutes, was a testament to human ingenuity and the insatiable desire to explore the unknown.
Just a few months later, on June 3, 1965, American astronaut Ed White followed in Leonov’s footsteps. White, orbiting Earth aboard the Gemini spacecraft, spent 23 minutes outside, his iconic image floating in space becoming a symbol of the space race and inspiring countless aspiring astronauts. Sadly, White’s life was cut short just two years later, along with two other astronauts, in a tragic launch pad fire during a test of the Apollo 1 spacecraft.
While the allure of space exploration is undeniable, the dangers are ever-present. Leonov’s spacewalk, though short, was fraught with peril. His suit ballooned in the vacuum of space, leaving him unable to fit back into the airlock. With incredible courage and resourcefulness, he manipulated his suit to make it more flexible, risking his life to ensure a safe return. He also experienced decompression sickness, a painful and dangerous condition caused by a rapid decrease in pressure, a common risk for divers exploring the depths of our oceans.
White faced his own challenges. Relying on an oxygen-jet gun for maneuverability, he found himself stranded when the fuel ran out. With careful planning and using the tether to his spacecraft, he managed to safely return to the Gemini capsule. These early spacewalks, though perilous, paved the way for the regular EVAs performed by astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) to conduct repairs and experiments. However, the risks remain real, as tragically demonstrated by incidents like the near-drowning experience of Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano in 2013. A leak in his ventilation system caused his helmet to fill with water, leaving him struggling to breathe and communicate. Parmitano’s harrowing ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers astronauts face during spacewalks.
In 2001, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, during his first EVA, found himself suddenly blinded when fluid formed inside his helmet, obscuring his vision. Despite fearing the worst, he followed instructions to dump the air out of his suit, eventually clearing his vision and allowing him to continue his work. These incidents highlight the critical importance of rigorous training, meticulous planning, and constant innovation in the development of spacesuits and other life-support systems to ensure astronaut safety.
The Polaris Dawn mission marks a significant milestone in space exploration, venturing into uncharted territory with the first privately managed spacewalk. The two astronauts, Isaacman and Gillis, will be testing SpaceX’s new spacesuits, which boast in-built cameras, thermal management systems, and heads-up displays. These advancements represent a critical step towards making space exploration more accessible and sustainable for future generations.
While the other two crew members, former US Air Force pilot Scott Poteet and mission specialist Anna Menon, won’t be participating in the spacewalk, they will also be wearing their spacesuits as the Crew Dragon capsule will depressurize for the EVA. The team’s extensive training and SpaceX’s commitment to safety give experts confidence that the mission will be a success. Leroy Chiao, a retired NASA astronaut who has consulted for SpaceX, emphasizes the company’s dedication to safety, recognizing the potential impact of a disaster on the future of commercial spaceflight.
Abhi Tripathi, a former Dragon mission director at SpaceX, echoes Chiao’s sentiment, highlighting the rigorous safety protocols implemented for this mission. He expresses confidence in the team’s expertise, ensuring every detail is meticulously considered and executed. History awaits, with SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission poised to redefine the possibilities of space exploration and solidify its place in the annals of human achievement.
