Polaris Dawn Mission: What astronauts accomplished on the 5-day space journey
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Successful Five-Day Journey
SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, which launched on September 10, 2024, has successfully returned to Earth after completing a five-day trip in space. The Crew Dragon capsule carrying four crew members splashed down near Florida's Dry Tortugas in the Gulf of Mexico.
Crew Members and Their Roles
The mission was led by tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, joined by two SpaceX engineers, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, along with former Air Force Thunderbird pilot Scott Poteet. The crew's diverse background showcased the potential for non-professional astronauts to handle complex space operations.
First Commercial Spacewalk Conducted
One of the mission’s significant milestones was the first-ever commercial spacewalk. On September 12, mission commander Jared Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis spent 12 minutes each outside the Crew Dragon capsule, testing SpaceX's new extravehicular activity (EVA) suits.
Record-Breaking Orbital Altitude
The Polaris Dawn crew reached an altitude of 1,400 kilometres above Earth, breaking NASA's Gemini 11 record from 1966. This marked the highest orbit humans have reached since the Apollo missions, with Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon becoming the first women to travel so far from Earth.
Research on Radiation Belts
By entering the lower Van Allen radiation belt, the crew conducted valuable research on the effects of space radiation on human health. The data gathered will be crucial for future missions to the Moon and Mars, where astronauts will encounter similar radiation environments.
Completion of 40 Scientific Experiments
During their mission, the Polaris Dawn crew carried out approximately 40 experiments focused on the effects of microgravity and space radiation on the human body. These studies contribute to the broader understanding of long-term space travel's impact on astronaut health.
Testing New Communication Technology
Another key achievement of the mission was the successful demonstration of laser-based communications between the Crew Dragon capsule and SpaceX’s Starlink satellite constellation. This technology could improve communication systems for future deep space missions.
Commercial Space Exploration
The mission not only fulfilled its objectives but also showcased SpaceX's capabilities in training private astronauts. By successfully completing such complex operations, Polaris Dawn has set new benchmarks for the future of commercial space travel, pushing exploration beyond low Earth orbit.