Polaris Dawn crew set for first private SpaceX spacewalk amid safety concerns

Four astronauts launched aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida's Kennedy Space Center are preparing for the first private spacewalk as part of the Polaris Dawn mission. Jared Isaacman, the mission commander, alongside Sarah Gillis, will leave their Dragon capsule to float above Earth in new, untested SpaceX spacesuits. This mission is considered a “risky adventure,” according to Bill Gerstenmaier, SpaceX’s vice president of build and flight reliability. He assures the team has undergone “the right testing” to proceed safely.

Spacewalking presents heightened risks compared to traveling inside spacecraft or visiting the International Space Station. SpaceX engineers highlight concerns as this mission uses components, such as spacesuits, that have never been tested in space. The remaining crew, Anna Menon and Scott Poteet, will remain inside the capsule while Isaacman and Gillis conduct the spacewalk.

Spacewalk veteran Luca Parmitano describes the experience as “beautiful” but acknowledges it’s physically and mentally demanding. He recalls a dangerous moment during a 2013 spacewalk when his helmet began filling with water. As a result, he was unable to see, hear, or communicate, forcing him to return to the airlock from memory.

Despite the challenges, SpaceX’s preparation has been extensive. According to former mission pilot Sian Proctor, the crew is highly competent. “If anyone can carry out the first commercial spacewalk, it’s this team,” she asserts.