Jared Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur, and Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, have achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first non-professional astronauts to perform a spacewalk. On September 12, 2024, Isaacman and Gillis stepped out of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, floating 435 miles above Earth. This commercial mission, funded by Isaacman, is a historic first, as spacewalks have previously only been performed by government astronauts.
Historic private spacewalk
Isaacman, who is funding the Polaris Dawn mission, and Gillis headed into space at about 11:52 a.m. British time, wearing newly designed extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, according to a BBC report. Isaacman was the first to exit the capsule, testing the functionality of his suit before returning inside. Gillis followed, conducting her own assessments and giving a live account of her experiences. The spacewalk had originally been scheduled for an earlier date but was postponed to ensure safety and proper preparation.
A unique approach to spacewalking
Unlike traditional spacewalks, which use an airlock to separate the spacecraft from space, the SpaceX Dragon capsule was completely exposed to the vacuum of the outdoors. This new method presented unique challenges, including requiring the crew to undergo two days of “prebreathing” to avoid decompression sickness.
The spacecraft was depressurized to best adapt to space conditions.
Dr Simeon Barber, a research scientist at the Open University, noted that the approach is different from previous methods and highlights SpaceX’s innovative spirit, according to a Hindustan Times report. The EVA suits used include advanced features such as a heads-up display, which enhance functionality and safety.
Significance and future implications
The successful execution of this private spacewalk is a major achievement in space travel. It highlights the potential for private companies to push the boundaries of space exploration. While the costs of such missions remain high, initiatives like this one could pave the way for more accessible space travel in the future. The Polaris Dawn mission also set a new record for the largest number of people simultaneously in the vacuum of space.
This groundbreaking event highlights the growing role of private enterprise in space exploration and sets a precedent for future spacewalks conducted outside of government space agencies.
