SpaceX Crew Sets Historic Milestone With First Commercial Spacewalk
In a historic moment for space exploration, the SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew conducted the first-ever commercial spacewalk, testing new spacesuit technology while journeying further into space than any humans since NASA’s Apollo missions.
The mission’s sponsor, Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman, led the spacewalk alongside SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis. The team, including former U.S. Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon, began their five-day journey through Earth’s orbit at 5:23 a.m. ET on Sept. 10.
Isaacman was the first to exit the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule just before 7 a.m. ET. He climbed a mobility aid, referred to by SpaceX as a “skywalker,” and ventured into the vacuum of space. The moment marked the first time a commercial crew depressurized their entire vehicle, exposing it to the void of space.
“Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do, but from here ? looks like a perfect world,” Isaacman said as he took in the surreal view of Earth from space.
Gillis followed Isaacman outside the capsule, spending about 10 minutes testing the mobility of her spacesuit. She wiggled and moved around to demonstrate how well the suit functions in space. The new spacesuits were designed by SpaceX for mobility and comfort, marking a departure from the restrictive, puffy white suits used by astronauts in previous spacewalks. Unlike their traditional counterparts, the SpaceX suits do not include a Primary Life Support System (PLSS). Instead, long hoses attached to the spacecraft provided the Polaris Dawn crew’s life support.
Although only Isaacman and Gillis exited the capsule, the entire crew enjoyed stunning views of Earth, witnessing sunrises and sunsets every 106 minutes. Menon reflected on the beauty of the experience: “The Sun peaks over the horizon, and the whole world just lights up ? or the whole world goes to sleep. Our Earth is so beautiful.”
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson praised the mission’s success in a post on X, writing, “Today’s success represents a giant leap forward for the commercial space industry and @NASA’s long-term goal to build a vibrant U.S. space economy.”
The Polaris Dawn’s accomplishments bring SpaceX and the commercial space sector closer to the goal of building advanced space infrastructure and exploring new frontiers in human spaceflight.
Luis Apolo Staff Reporter teen/1727231016/1613367592
1. Who led the first commercial spacewalk during the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission?
2. What was the primary purpose of the spacewalk conducted by the Polaris Dawn crew?
3. How did SpaceX's new spacesuits differ from traditional spacesuits used in previous spacewalks?
4. What did Jared Isaacman remark about Earth as he exited the Crew Dragon capsule?
1. What are the potential implications of commercial spacewalks for the future of space exploration?
2. How could SpaceX’s development of new spacesuit technology impact future space missions?
3. What challenges do you think commercial space missions face compared to government-funded ones like NASA’s?
4. Do you think the commercialization of space travel will make space exploration more accessible to the general public? Why or why not?
In a historic moment for space exploration, the SpaceX Polaris Dawn crew conducted the first-ever commercial spacewalk, testing new spacesuit technology while journeying further into space than any humans since NASA’s Apollo missions.
