First Commercial Spacewalk in History Planned During Polaris Dawn Mission by Private Astronauts

On the early morning of Thursday, April 21, 2023, four private astronauts are set to embark on a groundbreaking adventure, attempting something uncharted and audacious while orbiting high above Earth—deflating their spacecraft of all air. This audacious act will precede a historic milestone in the Polaris Dawn mission led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman: the first-ever commercial spacewalk. Two of the astronauts, after the daring deflation, will step outside the spacecraft, marking a momentous event in the realm of space exploration.

Live Coverage and Backup Plans

The much-anticipated spacewalk is scheduled to commence at 2:23 a.m. Eastern time. SpaceX is all set to broadcast the event live, with coverage commencing an hour prior to the start of the spacewalk, allowing enthusiasts and followers to witness this awe-inspiring moment in real-time. In case of unforeseen circumstances, a backup opportunity is also planned for the following day, ensuring that this historic event is not missed no matter the challenges encountered on the day.

The Scientific and Technical Undertakings

The mechanics of executing a spacewalk from the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft is a feat requiring meticulous planning and specialized equipment. Notably, the absence of an airlock in the spacecraft necessitates the deflation of all air before opening one of the hatches. This vital procedure demands that all four crew members don full spacesuits, underlining the significant and complex nature of this groundbreaking endeavor.