'Radiation': SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission comes with unprecedented risks
Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
Space Exploration Carries Significant Risks
Space remains a dangerous environment for humans. According to Chris Impey, an astronomer and space exploration expert, only around 700 people have traveled to space successfully, but with the commercialization of space, the number of missions—and associated risks—is expected to rise.
Fatality Rates in Space Travel
Impey highlights that the fatality rate for space travelers is about 3%, a figure higher than extreme sports like BASE jumping. Since space exploration began, 30 astronauts and cosmonauts have died during missions or training, with several incidents narrowly avoiding fatalities.
Polaris Dawn Mission Faces Delays
SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission, which was originally scheduled for August 27, 2024, has been delayed due to a helium leak and weather conditions. The mission will send a four-person crew, including civilians, to an altitude of 435 miles, the highest since the Apollo program.
Radiation Exposure a Major Concern
The crew of Polaris Dawn will be exposed to significant levels of space radiation. In just a few hours, they will receive as much radiation as they would on Earth over the course of 20 years, posing potential health risks.
Spacewalk with Unproven Spacesuits
One of the mission’s key objectives includes the first-ever spacewalk by non-government astronauts. However, this presents additional danger, as the spacesuits have not been tested in space, and the mission capsule lacks an airlock. A small tear in the spacesuit could result in a fatal accident.
Data Collection on Space Travel and Radiation
Despite the dangers, the mission will gather critical data on the effects of space travel, especially radiation exposure. This could contribute valuable insights for future space missions that venture beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.
Space Travel Risks Expected to Increase
As companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin continue to commercialize space travel, the frequency of missions is expected to grow, along with the risks involved. Experts like Impey warn that while opportunities increase, so do the challenges and potential dangers.