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SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission returned to Earth on September 15 after setting an altitude record and completing the first commercial spacewalk.
Following their launch into orbit on Tuesday, September 10, the Dragon and Polaris Dawn crew returned to Earth. They splashed down at 3:37 a.m. ET off the coast of Dry Tortugas, Florida.
Splashdown of Dragon confirmed! Welcome back to Earth, @rookisaacman, @kiddpoteet, @Gillis_SarahE, @annawmenon pic.twitter.com/nILpMQh2sR
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 15, 2024
The Crew Dragon capsule executed a “de-orbit burn” to safely re-enter, enduring temperatures up to 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit (1,900 degrees Celsius) while traveling at 17,000 miles per hour (27,000 kilometers per hour). The heat shield protected the crew, and parachutes slowed the descent.
After ocean impact, rescue teams retrieved the capsule using a “Dragon’s nest” boat for final safety checks before the crew disembarked.
The First Private Spacewalk
SpaceX launched four private astronauts in a mission to conduct the first private spacewalk and test various SpaceX systems, including a new, lighter EVA spacesuit offering enhanced protection compared to traditional NASA suits.
The Falcon 9 rocket carried four astronauts from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, including Jared Isaacman and two SpaceX engineers. Polaris Dawn set a new record for Earth orbit altitude at over 870 miles, surpassing the previous record of 853 miles set by NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.
Astronauts on the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission completed the first-ever commercial spacewalk on September 12. Mission commander Jared Isaacman exited the Crew Dragon Resilience at 6:48 AM Eastern, followed by SpaceX specialist Sarah Gillis at 7:04 AM. They conducted mobility checks and remained in space until 7:58 AM, with the spacewalk occurring at an altitude of 458 miles.
The crew tested the Crew Dragon’s new “Skywalker” hatch for spacewalks and a laser-based communication platform linking with SpaceX’s Starlink satellites. They also conducted 36 science experiments for 31 institutions, aiding NASA’s Human Research Program.
A Step Forward for SpaceX
The successful Polaris Dawn landing on September 15 marked the third successful SpaceX Falcon 9 launch after a previous mid-flight malfunction.
This milestone is vital for SpaceX’s long-term goals, including using the new spacesuits for future orbital missions and Mars landings. Although SpaceX still needs to complete Starship and depends on NASA for the Lunar Gateway, this achievement represents a significant advancement.
Dragon's hatch is open and the Polaris Dawn crew is getting ready to exit the spacecraft pic.twitter.com/KItVBSwJff
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 15, 2024
