One of the mission's most notable objectives is to conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk. (Photo: SpaceX)

Watch: Two Polaris Dawn astronauts conduct world's first private spacewalk

The Polaris Dawn crew, consisting of four civilian astronauts led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on September 10, 2024.

by · India Today

In Short

  • The spacewalk involved Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis
  • They exited the Crew Dragon capsule for approximately 12 minutes
  • The entire spacecraft was depressurised for the historic spacewalk

In a historic moment for commercial spaceflight, the Polaris Dawn mission conducted the world's first private spacewalk today at 3:28 PM IST.

This historic event marked a significant milestone in the evolution of civilian space exploration and SpaceX's ambitious plans for future missions.

WATCH POLARIS DAWN PRIVATE SPACEWALK LIVE HERE

The Polaris Dawn crew, consisting of four civilian astronauts led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on September 10, 2024. The mission has already set records by reaching an altitude of 1,400 kilometers, the highest Earth orbit achieved by humans since the Apollo era.

Today's spacewalk involved Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis exiting the Crew Dragon capsule for approximately 12 minutes each. Unlike traditional spacewalks, the entire spacecraft was depressurised, with all four crew members donned SpaceX's newly developed Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suits.

POLARIS DAWN PRIVATE SPACEWALK LIVE UPDATES HERE

The primary objective of this spacewalk was to test and evaluate these new spacesuits, which SpaceX designed in-house over just 2.5 years. These suits could potentially be used for future missions to the Moon and Mars, making this test crucial for SpaceX's long-term space exploration goals.

The crew had undergone an extensive 45-hour "pre-breathe" protocol to prepare for the spacewalk, gradually adjusting the cabin's oxygen levels and pressure to minimise the risk of decompression sickness. This procedure differs significantly from the methods used on the International Space Station, highlighting the unique challenges of conducting a spacewalk from a vehicle without an airlock.

While Isaacman and Gillis ventured outside, their crewmates Scott Poteet and Anna Menon remained inside the capsule, monitoring safety systems and assisting with the operation.

The spacewalkers remained tethered to the spacecraft and use newly installed "Skywalker" handrails for stability.