The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, set to launch on August 30, will mark the first civilian spacewalk, testing new spacesuits and protocols without an airlock, making it the riskiest mission yet

SpaceX is gearing up for a groundbreaking mission with Polaris Dawn, where four crew members will attempt the first-ever civilian spacewalk. Scheduled to launch on August 30 or later, this mission is set to challenge the limits of private space exploration, posing unprecedented risks due to the absence of an airlock on the Crew Dragon spacecraft.

Typically, spacewalks, or extravehicular activities (EVAs), are conducted by government-trained astronauts using an airlock to exit their spacecraft, ensuring that the rest of the vehicle remains pressurized. However, on the Polaris Dawn mission, the entire Crew Dragon spacecraft will be depressurized for approximately two hours during the EVA. This procedure forces all crew members, including those remaining inside the spacecraft, to rely solely on newly designed EVA suits for survival. Mission commander Jared Isaacman, who is leading the mission and funding it through SpaceX’s Polaris program, acknowledged the significant risks involved, stating, “You’re throwing away all the safety of your vehicle…it now comes down to your suit – it becomes your spaceship.” This historic Polaris Dawn civilian spacewalk will push the boundaries of space exploration and safety.

The new EVA suits, while extensively tested in vacuum chambers, add another layer of risk as they have never been used in space. This mission also faces additional challenges, including potential exposure to higher levels of radiation and micrometeorites. The spacecraft will travel farther from Earth than any mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, increasing the crew’s exposure to these dangers.

Among the four crew members, only Isaacman has previous space experience. The other members include a retired test pilot, SpaceX’s head astronaut trainer, and one of SpaceX’s lead space operations engineers. Despite their civilian status, these individuals are far from being mere space tourists. Space industry consultant Laura Forczyk emphasized that these crew members are highly trained professionals, stating, “I don’t think you could come up with four better non-government astronauts for this mission.”

SpaceX has implemented extensive safety measures and rigorous training for the crew over the past two years, aiming to mitigate the inherent risks of this mission. The success of Polaris Dawn will serve as a crucial test for Crew Dragon’s capabilities and the new EVA suits. In addition to the spacewalk, the crew will conduct nearly 40 scientific experiments during their time in orbit, contributing valuable data to various fields of study.

While the mission is fraught with challenges, it represents a significant milestone in the evolution of private space exploration. The outcome of Polaris Dawn could pave the way for future civilian space missions and expand the boundaries of human spaceflight.

Analysis

Political: The Polaris Dawn mission exemplifies the increasing influence of private companies like SpaceX in space exploration, potentially challenging the traditional dominance of government space agencies. As private entities take on more ambitious missions, the political landscape of space exploration could shift. Governments may need to reconsider their space policies, especially regarding regulations, funding, and international collaboration. The mission also raises questions about the role of private companies in global space governance, particularly concerning safety standards and the ethical implications of civilian space missions.

As private space missions become more frequent, governments might face pressure to increase investments in their space programs to remain competitive. This could lead to a new era of space race dynamics, not just between nations but also between public and private sectors. The success of Polaris Dawn could also influence space policies in other countries, encouraging them to foster their private space industries to avoid being left behind in this rapidly evolving field.

Social: The Polaris Dawn mission holds significant social implications, particularly in how it influences public perception of space exploration. The idea of civilians undertaking such a risky mission challenges traditional notions of who can be an astronaut and what it means to explore space. This could inspire a new generation of space enthusiasts and broaden public interest in space exploration, making it more inclusive and accessible.

However, the mission also raises ethical questions about the risks involved in civilian space travel. The fact that non-government individuals are undertaking such a dangerous task might spark debates about the responsibilities of private space companies in ensuring the safety and well-being of their crew members. The success or failure of the mission could shape public opinion on whether space exploration should remain the domain of highly trained government astronauts or be opened up to civilians.

Racial: The mission’s crew composition could contribute to broader discussions about diversity and representation in space exploration. Historically, space missions have predominantly involved white, male astronauts from government agencies. The inclusion of civilians from various professional backgrounds on the Polaris Dawn mission could signal a shift towards greater diversity in space exploration.

As space exploration becomes more accessible to civilians, there may be increased efforts to include people from underrepresented racial and ethnic groups in future missions. This could lead to more inclusive recruitment practices in the space industry and inspire individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in space-related fields.

Gender: The Polaris Dawn mission also has implications for gender diversity in space exploration. Space missions have traditionally been male-dominated, but the inclusion of women in the Polaris Dawn crew highlights the increasing role of women in space exploration. This could inspire more women to pursue careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields and contribute to ongoing efforts to achieve gender equality in the space industry.

The mission’s visibility could also encourage space agencies and private companies to prioritize gender diversity in their astronaut selection processes and mission planning. As more women participate in high-profile space missions, it could help break down gender barriers in the space industry and promote a more inclusive environment for future generations of astronauts.

Economic: The Polaris Dawn mission represents a significant milestone for the commercial space industry, with far-reaching economic implications. The success of this mission could boost investor confidence in SpaceX and other private space companies, leading to increased investments in space exploration and related technologies. This, in turn, could spur the growth of the space economy, creating new opportunities for businesses and industries that support space missions, such as spacecraft manufacturing, space tourism, and satellite services. The Polaris Dawn civilian spacewalk, in particular, highlights the potential for civilian space missions to drive innovation and economic growth.

However, the mission also highlights the economic risks associated with private space exploration. The high costs and potential dangers of space missions could deter some investors and companies from entering the space market. Additionally, the success of civilian space missions could prompt governments to reconsider their funding strategies for space exploration, potentially leading to a more competitive and commercially driven space industry.

In the long term, the Polaris Dawn mission could pave the way for new business models and revenue streams in the space industry. For example, successful civilian space missions could lead to the development of space tourism, space-based research and development, and even space mining. As the commercial space industry continues to evolve, it could have a profound impact on the global economy, reshaping industries and creating new opportunities for innovation and growth.