5-Day Orbital Mission Will Advance EVA Systems, Laser Connections, and Health Research

Following up on the announcement of the Polaris Dawn mission itself, the tech CEO bankrolling the affair has released his goals for the venture while beginning to promote the fundraising causes that will benefit from the journey.

Like the Inspiration4 mission, the all-civilian Polaris Dawn mission will raise money for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. 

Polaris Dawn will aim to spend 5 days in orbit, flying further from the Earth than any other SpaceX Dragon mission before it, while breaking ground as the first all-commercial, non-governmental crew of astronauts. While out, they'll perform the first extravehicular spacewalk, using new-pattern, SpaceX-modified suits based on the standard intravehicular space suit. Their requirement for new suits could very well pay dividends for the lagging, delayed NASA program aiming to revamp their EVA suits for the future Artemis program. development. 

Additionally, the mission will avail themselves of the Starlink satellite network for testing of a laser-based communications system, providing a vital development process for improved internet connectivity beyond the Earth sphere. If successful, the same technology could quickly make the internet connectivity possible for Lunar and Martian missions. The usual roster of scientific activities will also be carried out while aboard, primarily focused on human health on long-duration spaceflights. Studies focused on ultrasound detection of gas emboli, radiation sensing and evaluation, and long-term ocular health are included in its current task list. Polaris will collaborate with the Translational Research Institute for Space Health and BioServe Space Tech, in addition to a smattering of University labs across the country. 

“The Polaris Program is an important step in advancing human space exploration while helping to solve problems through the use of innovative technology here on Earth,” said Isaacman. “On Polaris Dawn, we endeavor to achieve the highest Earth orbit ever flown in addition to conducting the world’s first commercial spacewalk and testing of Starlink laser-based communication. Alongside these important objectives, we will be supporting scientific research to advance both human health interests on Earth and our understanding of human health during future long-duration spaceflights.”

FMI: www.polarisprogram.com