Polaris Dawn Mission Set to Make History
On Tuesday, August 27, at 3:38 am EDT, SpaceX is set to embark on a groundbreaking mission known as Polaris Dawn. This mission marks another significant milestone for SpaceX, led by Elon Musk. The launch will take place aboard a Crew Dragon capsule, with a crew of four, including experienced individuals with extensive backgrounds in aviation and space exploration.
The Polaris Dawn mission is more than just another journey into space. It is poised to achieve a historic feat—the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The crew will orbit the Earth for five days, and two members will step outside the spacecraft, venturing into the vacuum of space. This spacewalk is unique because it is being carried out by a private company, not a government space agency. However, the mission carries significant risks, as the astronauts will be exposed to a radiation belt, adding to the challenges of the spacewalk.
The mission is commanded by a U.S. billionaire and seasoned aviator. The pilot of the mission is a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel. Additionally, two other crew members, both associated with SpaceX, will join the mission. Their combined expertise and training are crucial as they undertake this daring endeavor.
On Sunday, August 25, SpaceX confirmed that all preparations for the mission were on track. The company announced that a full rehearsal of launch day activities had been completed successfully. This rehearsal was a critical step to ensure that everything goes smoothly on the actual launch day.
NASA’s Critical Reliance on SpaceX for Astronaut Rescue
While SpaceX is focused on making history with the Polaris Dawn mission, the company also shoulders a significant responsibility for NASA. Two NASA astronauts have been stranded in space for over two months due to technical issues with their original spacecraft. NASA had initially planned for these astronauts to return to Earth aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, but technical malfunctions have forced a change in plans.
The two astronauts originally embarked on their mission aboard the Boeing Starliner on June 5, expecting to spend just eight days in space. However, due to problems with the spacecraft’s thrusters and other technical issues like helium leaks, their return was delayed indefinitely. After a thorough review, NASA decided that it would be safer for the astronauts to return aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission instead.
NASA’s decision to rely on SpaceX for this critical rescue operation underscores the trust and confidence the space agency places in Musk’s company. The Crew-9 mission, which was initially scheduled for August 18, has been delayed to September 24. This delay allows SpaceX to make necessary adjustments to accommodate the two astronauts, who were not originally part of the mission.
Extended Stay in Space for NASA Astronauts
The two NASA astronauts who have been stranded in space due to the technical issues with the Boeing Starliner will now spend much longer in orbit than originally planned. Instead of the eight days they expected, they will remain in space until February 2025, spending nearly eight months in orbit. During this extended period, they will continue to support various tests, data analysis, and maintenance tasks as part of their mission.
NASA’s decision to bring the astronauts back aboard SpaceX’s Crew-9 mission was announced after a formal review on Saturday, August 24. Despite Boeing’s initial confidence that their spacecraft could safely return the astronauts to Earth, NASA opted for the safer and more reliable option with SpaceX. This decision highlights the unpredictable and risky nature of space travel, even with advanced technology and experienced teams.
The Crew-9 mission has been reconfigured to carry the two astronauts back to Earth, along with two other crew members who were originally part of the mission. The original plan for Crew-9 was to carry four astronauts, but the reshuffling made room for the stranded astronauts. This adjustment ensures that they can return safely to Earth after their extended stay in space.
As SpaceX prepares for the Polaris Dawn mission and takes on the responsibility of rescuing NASA astronauts, the company continues to demonstrate its capability and reliability in the realm of space exploration. The coming days will be crucial as these two significant missions unfold, showcasing both the promise and the challenges of modern space travel.
