Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis Achieve Historic Spacewalk Milestone
On September 12, 2024, billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis made history as the first non-professional astronauts to conduct a spacewalk. They emerged from a SpaceX Dragon capsule, floating an impressive 435 miles above Earth. Funded by Isaacman, this commercial mission marks a groundbreaking achievement in space exploration, as spacewalks were previously exclusive to government astronauts.
Historic Milestone in Private Spacewalks
Isaacman and Gillis, prominent figures in the Polaris Dawn mission, embarked on their spacewalk at approximately 11:52 BST. Wearing newly designed extravehicular activity (EVA) suits, the duo showcased innovative technology. Isaacman was the first to exit the capsule, testing the suit’s functionality before returning inside. Gillis followed, conducting his own evaluation and sharing their experiences live. Originally scheduled for an earlier date, the spacewalk was postponed to ensure optimal safety and preparation.
Innovative Approach to Spacewalking
Differing from traditional spacewalks that utilize airlocks, the SpaceX Dragon capsule remains entirely exposed to space’s vacuum. This novel approach introduces unique challenges, including the necessity for the crew to undergo two days of “pre-breathing” to prevent decompression sickness. The spacecraft’s internal pressure is carefully adjusted to align with the space environment.
Dr. Simeon Barber, a research scientist at the Open University, highlighted the innovative nature of this method. The advanced EVA suits used in the mission feature cutting-edge technology such as a head-up display, enhancing both functionality and safety.
Implications and Future Prospects
This historic private spacewalk underscores the expanding role of private companies in space exploration. Despite the high cost of such missions, they represent significant strides towards more accessible and convenient space travel in the future. Additionally, the Polaris Dawn mission has set a new record for the most individuals simultaneously entering space’s vacuum.
This milestone emphasizes the growing influence of private industry in space exploration and sets a precedent for future spacewalks conducted beyond government space agencies.
