SpaceX has successfully completed acceptance testing for its newly developed extra-vehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits. These suits are set to be used for the first commercial spacewalk, which is part of the ambitious Polaris Program. SpaceX, known for making pressurized spacesuits for NASA missions to protect astronauts inside the Crew Dragon spacecraft, has now advanced to designing suits that allow astronauts to perform spacewalks.
A leap in spacesuit technology
These new EVA spacesuits are a significant upgrade, designed to enable astronauts to exit the Crew Dragon and carry out tasks in the vacuum of space. The Polaris Program, spearheaded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, aims to make history with the first commercial spacewalk. Currently, EVA suits are exclusively used by NASA astronauts for space repairs on the International Space Station (ISS). The Polaris update includes the first photographs of these new suits in action.
Testing and development
The acceptance tests for the spacesuits were conducted at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Texas, a site that also hosted tests for lunar spacesuits in December. These lunar suits are being developed by Axiom Space, reflecting NASA’s increasing collaboration with the private sector for crewed missions.
The Polaris Dawn mission, which will include this historic spacewalk, has set lofty goals, such as reaching an apogee of 1,400 kilometers—the highest altitude ever achieved by astronauts in Earth orbit. This is a notable departure from typical missions, which usually stay within the altitude range of the ISS.
Spacesuit capabilities and testing
During the late June tests, SpaceX and the Polaris crew evaluated the spacesuits’ performance in monitoring astronaut health during spacewalks. Conducted in a simulated vacuum, these tests involved pressurizing the suits to ensure the astronauts’ well-being. The tests also assessed the suits’ ability to manage and monitor body temperature and other vital signs during spacewalks. The team simulated high-stress conditions to mimic the intense environment of an actual spacewalk.
Polaris dawn mission details
The Polaris Dawn mission will feature four astronauts, with Isaacman and SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis, the mission’s payload specialist, scheduled to conduct the spacewalk. For Gillis, mission pilot Scott Poteet, and medical officer Anna Menon, this will be their first spaceflight. Isaacman previously participated in the Inspiration4 mission in 2021, the first entirely private orbital spaceflight.
Although only Isaacman and Gillis will perform the spacewalk, all four astronauts will experience the vacuum of space as the Crew Dragon will be completely depressurized. Unlike the ISS, which uses a depressurization chamber for spacewalks, the Crew Dragon does not have such a facility. This has necessitated upgrades to the Dragon to ensure it can withstand the internal vacuum during the mission.
Conclusion
SpaceX’s new EVA spacesuits mark a major milestone in commercial space exploration, paving the way for future private missions beyond the confines of the spacecraft. The successful testing and upcoming Polaris Dawn mission highlight SpaceX’s ongoing innovation and commitment to advancing human spaceflight.
