📷 Image Credits: Moneycontrol
Space X is gearing up for a historic event on July 31 with the launch of the Polaris Dawn mission. This mission will mark the second spaceflight for billionaire Jared Isaacman, who will lead a crew of four members aboard the Crew Dragon spacecraft, perched atop a Falcon 9 rocket at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. The crew, consisting of pilot Scott Poteet and specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, will embark on a five-day journey orbiting the Earth at a record-high altitude of 700 km.
During this groundbreaking mission, the crew will conduct various experiments aimed at advancing our understanding of human health in space. This research includes monitoring venous gas emboli and investigating Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS) to address the effects of space radiation on astronauts’ health. Additionally, the crew will contribute to a long-term biobank for future studies.
One of the key objectives of the Polaris Dawn mission is to test Starlink’s laser-based communications system in space. By gathering crucial data through this experiment, SpaceX aims to enhance future space communication networks essential for upcoming missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
SpaceX has collaborated with esteemed institutions like the Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH) for scientific research during the Polaris Dawn mission. The crew will be equipped with SpaceX’s newly designed spacesuits tailored for extravehicular activities, setting the stage for the first ever commercial EVA in space.
The crew’s journey will take them through the Van Allen radiation belt, allowing for valuable observations and experiments. The mission will pave the way for future deep space exploration and contribute to the development of scalable spacesuit designs for long-duration missions.
Overall, the Polaris Dawn mission represents a significant step forward in human space exploration, pushing boundaries and setting new milestones in space travel. With a crew dedicated to advancing scientific research and technology, the mission is poised to make a lasting impact on the future of space exploration.