Polaris Dawn’s first commercial spacewalk mission delayed again, SpaceX yet to announce new date

Polaris Dawn mission objectives include testing SpaceX’s new laser-based Starlink communications system and conducting research on the effects of space radiation on human health. (In Image: Crew members of Polaris Dawn mission - credit: SpaceX/X)

SpaceX’s highly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission, which aims to send the first-ever commercial crew to perform a spacewalk, seems to have run into another delay, with no new launch date announced so far.

The mission was originally scheduled to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on August 26, but the mission was postponed by SpaceX for an additional day to allow for further preflight inspections. The launch was delayed again on August 27 due to unfavourable conditions for both launch and return. SpaceX then aimed for an August 28 launch, but the mission was yet again deferred to August 30 amid concerns over splashdown weather at the mission's conclusion.

SpaceX announced on the morning of August 30 on X that they will provide an update once teams determine the next suitable opportunity for the launch and return of the Polaris Dawn mission. "Once teams identify the next best opportunity for launch and return of the Polaris Dawn mission, we’ll provide an update," SpaceX announced on August 30 morning on X.

An overview of the mission

The Polaris Dawn mission will be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket, with SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft carrying a crew of four. Over the course of five days in space, the crew will pursue a range of mission objectives designed to push the boundaries of commercial space exploration. During the mission, the astronauts will conduct experiments aimed at advancing our understanding of space travel and its impact on human health. One of the key studies will involve monitoring the astronauts' health to assess the effects of space radiation on their bodies.

The mission objectives

Reaching new heights: Polaris Dawn will attempt to reach the highest Earth orbit since the 1972 Apollo programme, targeting an altitude of 700km. This will take the crew through parts of the Van Allen radiation belt, allowing scientists to gather data on the effects of space radiation on human health.

First commercial spacewalk: The mission will mark the first-ever commercial spacewalk, with the crew using SpaceX-designed extravehicular activity (EVA) suits. These advanced suits are designed to offer enhanced mobility, improved helmet displays, and advanced thermal management, representing a key step towards developing suits for future long-duration missions.

Starlink laser-based communications: The crew will also test Starlink’s laser-based satellite communications in orbit. This technology aims to improve communication speed and quality, laying the foundation for future missions to destinations like the Moon and Mars.

Human health research: The crew will conduct nearly 40 experiments, with a focus on understanding the effects of long-duration spaceflight on human health. Key studies will explore radiation exposure and Spaceflight Associated Neuro-Ocular Syndrome (SANS), a known risk to astronauts. The crew will also collect biological samples to contribute to a Biobank for long-term research on space mission health risks.

The mission's success could open new avenues for commercial space exploration and build momentum for future missions targeting deeper space objectives.

The crew members 

The four-person Polaris Dawn crew includes Jared Isaacman, who will serve as the mission commander. Isaacman previously commanded the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian crewed mission to space in 2021. Joining him are Scott 'Kidd' Poteet, mission pilot and retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, Sarah Gillis, mission specialist and SpaceX lead space operations engineer, and Anna Menon, mission specialist and medical officer, also a lead space operations engineer at SpaceX.

For Gillis and Menon, this mission marks a significant milestone as they become the first SpaceX employees to be part of a human spaceflight crew.

In addition to advancing space exploration, the mission will also support a charitable cause by raising funds for St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which provides care for children battling serious illnesses.