Register

What Is Polaris Dawn? Breaking Down the Upcoming SpaceX Mission

SpaceX reveals its first-generation extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits, designed to be worn in the vacuum of space as well as the confines of a spacecraft.

SpaceX Polaris Dawn
SpaceX’s newly unveiled extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit will allow astronauts to conduct spacewalks during Polaris Dawn. [Courtesy: SpaceX]
Gemini Sparkle

Key Takeaways:

  • SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, the first of the Polaris Program, aims to conduct the first commercial spacewalk and reach the highest Earth orbit for a Crew Dragon since the Apollo program.
  • The mission will debut SpaceX's new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuits, test Starlink laser communications in space, and perform about 40 experiments on human health and space radiation.
  • Funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, Polaris Dawn seeks to rapidly advance human spaceflight capabilities, make spaceflight more accessible, and raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, with insights informing future Moon and Mars missions.
See a mistake? Contact us.

A planned SpaceX mission, which is expected to include the first attempt at a commercial spacewalk and fly humans to heights within Earth’s orbit never before reached, received a major boost over the weekend.

SpaceX on Saturday unveiled its first-generation extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuit, which will be donned by astronauts aboard the Polaris Dawn mission, scheduled for no earlier than this summer. Polaris Dawn—a five-day, four-person orbital mission to research human health both in space and on Earth—is the first of three potential human spaceflights under the Polaris Program.

Jack Daleo

Jack is a staff writer covering advanced air mobility, including everything from drones to unmanned aircraft systems to space travel—and a whole lot more. He spent close to two years reporting on drone delivery for FreightWaves, covering the biggest news and developments in the space and connecting with industry executives and experts. Jack is also a basketball aficionado, a frequent traveler and a lover of all things logistics.

Ready to Sell Your Aircraft?

List your airplane on AircraftForSale.com and reach qualified buyers.

List Your Aircraft
AircraftForSale Logo | FLYING Logo
Pilot in aircraft
Sign-up for newsletters & special offers!

Get the latest stories & special offers delivered directly to your inbox.

SUBSCRIBE