Polaris Dawn’s Historic Commercial Spacewalk: Live Updates On First-Ever Private EVA

On Thursday, 12th September the Polaris Dawn crew aims to attempt the first-ever commercial spacewalk (extravehicular activity (EVA). Two of four SpaceX astronauts will try to make history and perform the spacewalk at 5:58 a.m. ET., several hours later than it was originally planned. SpaceX didn’t specify the reason for the delay. If needed, a backup opportunity is available tomorrow, 13 September. 

The Polaris Dawn mission kicked off successfully with the launch on 10th September. SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket launched the Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center at 5:58 a.m. ET (10:58 in the UK), marking the beginning of this groundbreaking multi-day mission.

Watch the Polaris Dawn Spacewalk Live Stream From Space

Polaris Dawn commander Jared Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis will exit their fully depressurized Crew Dragon spacecraft in specially designed SpaceX spacesuits.

You can watch the historic spacewalk on YouTube or SpaceX’s live stream via X (Twitter). A live webcast of the event is set to begin about an hour before the EVA on SpaceX’s official website.

Polaris Dawn private spacewalk – Live Updates

12 September 2024 at 12:18 UK time

Sarah Gillis, a SpaceX engineer, exited the Dragon capsule for a groundbreaking spacewalk and conducted mobility tests in her spacesuit. After a few minutes, she closed the forward hatch.

12 September 2024 at 11:54 UK time

Polaris Dawn commander Jared Isaacman opened the hatch and left the Dragon capsule. Sarah Gillis is preparing to follow.

12 September 2024 at 11:28 UK time

The crew has finished their suit inspections, checked seals, tested the heads-up display, and rotated the seat to allow for more mobility during extravehicular activity (EVA). The EVA has officially started, with their suits set to a pure oxygen flow. Isaacman and Gillis will soon leave Dragon in order to finish the function and mobility testing of SpaceX’s new spacesuits.

The entire spacewalk is expected to last approximately two hours. All four astronauts aboard Polaris Dawn were dressed in their SpaceX spacesuits.

They are scheduled to spend around 15 minutes in this partially extended position.

Overall, the Polaris Dawn crew will perform 36 scientific experiments from 31 partner institutions worldwide during the mission.

Highlights of the First Day

Spacewalk Preparation: Shortly after reaching orbit, the crew began a two-day pre-breathe protocol in preparation for their upcoming spacewalk. This process involves gradually lowering Dragon’s cabin pressure while increasing oxygen levels to reduce the risk of decompression sickness.

First Meals and Research: About two hours into the flight, the crew enjoyed their first meals in space. They then engaged in a 3.5-hour block dedicated to science experiments and testing of the Starlink communication system.

South Atlantic Anomaly: Dragon made its first pass through the South Atlantic Anomaly, a region of weaker magnetic field. The crew and mission control closely monitored the vehicle’s systems during this phase.

Record-Breaking Altitude: Dragon reached an apogee of approximately 1,216 kilometers during its first orbit, making Polaris Dawn the highest Dragon mission to date. This puts the crew higher than any humans have been in over 50 years.