Jessica Heygate
Updated on: October 11, 2024 5:56 pm GMT
SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn crew has completed a historic mission, marking several unprecedented achievements in the realm of space exploration. After five days in orbit, the Crew Dragon capsule landed successfully in the Gulf of Mexico, off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida, at 3:37 a.m. ET on Sunday. This mission not only saw the first commercial spacewalk but also elevated the crew to the highest altitude ever reached by humans since NASA’s Apollo era.
Milestones Achieved During the Mission
This milestone mission set the record for the highest Earth orbit, reaching an impressive altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), surpassing the previous record of 853 miles (1,373 kilometers) achieved by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966. Notably, the mission’s apogee marked the farthest distance any human has traveled from Earth since 1972. The mission was commanded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, who is also the CEO of Shift4 Payments. Alongside him were fellow crew members Scott “Kidd” Poteet, Anna Menon, and Sarah Gillis, comprising the first female astronauts to fly at such an altitude.
The Polaris Dawn mission included a groundbreaking spacewalk by Isaacman and Gillis, which lasted nearly 10 minutes. This event was historic as it was conducted by a privately funded mission, exploring the capabilities and limitations of extravehicular activities (EVAs) outside the scope of governmental space programs. Isaacman remarked on his experience during the spacewalk, calling the view a “perfect world” as he gazed down at Earth from the vacuum of space.
Return and Recovery
Returning to Earth is often considered one of the most dangerous phases of a space mission. The Crew Dragon capsule executed a critical “de-orbit burn,” which set the stage for its re-entry into the atmosphere. As the spacecraft descended, it faced extreme temperatures, reaching as high as 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,900 degrees Celsius) due to atmospheric friction. Despite these intense conditions, the capsule’s heat shield effectively protected the crew.
Once the capsule splashed down, it bobbed on the ocean’s surface before being recovered by nearby rescue teams. The crew underwent safety checks on a specialized vessel known as the “Dragon’s Nest” prior to disembarking and returning to shore.
Scientific Contributions and Personal Endeavors
The Polaris Dawn crew utilized their time in orbit to carry out nearly 40 scientific experiments, a significant focus being on space adaptation syndrome, which is a form of microgravity-related motion sickness. Furthermore, they tested communication networks by relaying music from the International Space Station back to Earth via SpaceX’s Starlink satellite system. Gillis, a trained violinist, thrilled audiences by performing “Rey’s Theme” from “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”
Additionally, Menon connected with patients at St. Jude Children’s Hospital, reading her co-authored children’s book, “Kisses From Space,” to inspire and engage young audiences on Earth.
The Crew and Their Vision for the Future
The Polaris Dawn mission was the third voyage for the specific Crew Dragon capsule, known as “Resilience.” In addition to the Polaris Dawn mission, it was previously utilized in the 2021 Inspiration4 mission, where Isaacman led a crew on a three-day journey to support childhood cancer research.
Jared Isaacman’s journey to space is punctuated by a driving vision of expanding private exploration beyond government-sponsored programs. At 41, Isaacman has positioned himself as a pioneering figure in the private space industry, advocating for a future where space travel becomes more accessible to everyone. He famously expressed his childhood dream of reaching space, stating, “I decided I was going to go to space when I was 5 years old. It just took me a little while to get it into motion.”
Looking Ahead
SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission is a significant step toward further advancements in commercial space travel. As the mission concludes, the achievements of the crew not only represent technological progress but also highlight the importance of science in understanding the human body’s response to space, paving the way for future adventures beyond our planet. The successful return of the Polaris Dawn crew reinforces the growing role of private companies in making space exploration a reality for more individuals and serves as a platform for upcoming research and development in the aerospace industry.
Space exploration is really exciting! Scientists are always discovering new things about the universe. They send rockets into space to learn more about planets, stars, and galaxies. These discoveries help us understand where we come from and what’s out there. It’s amazing to think about all the adventures waiting for us in space!
