SpaceX has unveiled mesmerizing footage captured from its Crew Dragon spacecraft during the groundbreaking Polaris Dawn mission. Filmed from an external camera at an altitude of approximately 450 miles (730 kilometers), the video offers a unique perspective on Earth’s beauty and vastness. This remarkable footage was recorded during the spacecraft’s 75 orbits of our planet over the course of the historic five-day mission.
“Looks like CGI, but these are all real video highlights from the Polaris Program space mission,” shared SpaceX CEO Elon Musk on social media. The video dramatically differs from the familiar views of Earth captured from the International Space Station (ISS), as the station’s orbit is much closer to Earth, at around 250 miles. The Crew Dragon’s higher orbit provides a significantly wider perspective, revealing the Earth’s curvature with striking clarity.
The same external camera played a pivotal role in capturing the first-ever commercial spacewalk, an extraordinary feat performed by Polaris Dawn crew member Jared Isaacman, the driving force behind the entirely civilian mission. Following Isaacman, fellow crewmember Sarah Gillis etched her name in history as the first woman to participate in a commercial spacewalk. This historic event also marked the inaugural instance of an individual venturing outside the Crew Dragon spacecraft into the vacuum of space.
The primary objective of the spacewalk was to test a cutting-edge spacesuit designed to offer enhanced mobility and comfort compared to current designs. This innovative suit is expected to play a crucial role in future lunar missions and potentially beyond.
Joining Isaacman and Gillis on this extraordinary journey were Scott Poteet and Anna Menon. While Isaacman had previously ventured into orbit as part of the privately funded Inspiration4 mission in 2021, this was the first time in space for his three fellow crewmembers. During the flight, this quartet of non-professional astronauts traveled further from Earth – 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) – than any human had since the Apollo missions five decades ago.
The mission also involved testing a laser-based communications system and conducting scientific experiments, including health and human performance research for NASA’s Human Research Program. The Crew Dragon and its intrepid crew returned safely to Earth on September 15, their journey home captured in a stunning photograph taken by NASA astronaut Don Pettit aboard the ISS. The Polaris Dawn mission is a testament to the boundless possibilities of space exploration and serves as a powerful reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty of our planet.
