On Thursday, September 12, 2024, SpaceX achieved a groundbreaking milestone by conducting the world’s first private spacewalk during its Polaris Dawn mission. The crew, led by billionaire and mission commander Jared Isaacman, embarked on this historic feat as they soared high above Earth. This momentous event occurred on the third day of a five-day journey in orbit, marking a new chapter in private space exploration.

“SpaceX, back at home we have a lot of work to do, but from here it looks like a perfect world,” Isaacman radioed as he stood partially outside SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, gazing at the Earth below. The excitement and significance of this moment were palpable as Isaacman and fellow astronaut Sarah Gillis became the first private astronauts to conduct a spacewalk.

The journey began on September 10, when SpaceX launched the Polaris Dawn crew aboard the Crew Dragon Resilience. This mission featured a record-breaking altitude of 870 miles (1,400.7 kilometers), surpassing any crewed mission since the Apollo program. In addition to reaching new heights, the crew also tested cutting-edge SpaceX technology, including new EVA suits designed for future space missions.

The success of this mission has profound implications for the future of human space exploration. The spacewalk, lasting one hour and 46 minutes, allowed the astronauts to test spacesuit mobility and gather crucial data that will be invaluable for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Isaacman expressed his gratitude to the SpaceX team, acknowledging the critical role their innovations played in making the mission possible.

This mission also served as a testing ground for SpaceX’s new communication system, using Starlink satellites to establish laser-based communication. Additionally, the astronauts conducted numerous scientific experiments, ranging from testing wearable biometric devices to studying the effects of space radiation on the human body.

Polaris Dawn is set to return to Earth soon, completing one of the most ambitious private space missions in history. Click here to learn more about this groundbreaking achievement and its significance for the future of space exploration.