Historic Spacewalk: Polaris Dawn Crew Breaks Ground

The Polaris Dawn mission marked a historic milestone as it featured the first commercial spacewalk conducted in the SpaceX Dragon capsule. Launched on March 12, 2023, the mission aimed to demonstrate new technologies and enhance human capabilities for future space exploration. Key crew members included Commander Jared Isaacman, who was the first to exit the cabin, conducting mobility tests demonstrating the effectiveness of the newly designed EVA suits. Following him, Mission Specialist Sarah Gillis successfully performed similar tests outside the spacecraft, showcasing the suit's mobility and performance in a microgravity environment. This mission also served as a platform for testing Starlink laser communications, marking advancements in spacecraft technology. The crew was supported by fellow astronauts Anna Menan and Scott “Kid” Potit, who monitored and assisted during the EVA, emphasizing the team approach critical in spacewalk operations. The Polaris Dawn mission aims to support continued research and development, paving the way for future manned missions to deep space destinations.