Since its inception, SpaceX, under the helm of Elon Musk, has fundamentally reshaped space exploration in a remarkably brief period. By capitalizing on the concept of reusability, the company not only reignited the space race, this time driven by corporate entities rather than nations, but also pioneered the concept of space tourism.
Today, several companies operate in this sector, with SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Virgin Galactic being the most notable. However, SpaceX stands out by offering a truly immersive experience compared to its counterparts, which only provide brief trips to the edge of space.
SpaceX’s groundbreaking private mission, Inspiration4, launched in 2021, marked a historic milestone as the first all-civilian crew to orbit Earth aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft for nearly three days.
As the inaugural mission of the Polaris program, Polaris Dawn will start on a historic journey using a modified SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft. Notably, this mission will mark SpaceX’s first-ever spacewalk, allowing civilians to conduct Extravehicular Activities (EVAs) outside the spacecraft.
The Crew Dragon spacecraft for Polaris Dawn has undergone modifications to enable this spacewalk, including the development of advanced spacesuits. These new suits, featuring enhanced mobility and innovative helmet designs, represent a significant evolution in space suit technology.
With a crew comprising seasoned professionals from various disciplines, including space operations and aviation, Polaris Dawn represents a pivotal moment in SpaceX’s quest for space exploration. As part of the broader Polaris program, this mission signifies humanity’s ongoing journey toward expanding into the solar system.