SpaceX, the private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk, has recently showcased its latest Extravehicular Activity (EVA) suit designed for commercial spacewalks. The new suit, set to be worn during the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, boasts several innovative features that aim to revolutionize the way astronauts conduct spacewalks. In a short video shared by SpaceX, the suit’s close-ups reveal its sleek design, mobility, and cutting-edge technology.
One of the key advancements in the new suit is its helmet Heads-Up Display (HUD) and camera, providing astronauts with real-time information and visual feedback during their spacewalk. Additionally, the suit incorporates thermal management textiles and materials borrowed from the Falcon 9 rocket’s interstage and Dragon spacecraft’s trunk, ensuring optimal comfort and protection for the wearer.
In contrast to the larger Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) used by astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS), the SpaceX suit lacks a backpack, which contains life support systems such as power, air, and cooling. Instead, the suit will be connected to the spacecraft via an umbilical cable, providing the necessary resources for the astronauts to perform their spacewalk.
The Polaris Dawn mission, set to launch later this year, will be the first commercial spacewalk, featuring four nonprofessional astronauts onboard a Crew Dragon spacecraft powered by a Falcon 9 rocket. At an altitude of around 435 miles (700 kilometers), two crew members will conduct a two-hour spacewalk to test the new EVA suit in microgravity conditions. The mission will be led by Jared Isaacman, who first flew to space in 2021 as part of the Inspiration4 mission, an all-civilian flight that also broke records.
The development of this new suit is significant as it marks a crucial step towards creating a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions. As Elon Musk stated, “Building a base on the moon and a city on Mars will require millions of spacesuits.” The Polaris Dawn mission aims to demonstrate the feasibility of this new design, paving the way for the creation of a sustainable and reusable spacesuit system.
The Polaris Dawn mission has sparked excitement among space enthusiasts and space agencies alike, as it represents a significant shift towards commercial spaceflight and exploration. As space travel becomes increasingly accessible to civilians, the development of advanced spacesuits like the SpaceX EVA suit is crucial in ensuring the safety and comfort of astronauts on long-duration missions. With its innovative design and technological advancements, the SpaceX EVA suit is poised to play a vital role in the future of space exploration and habitation.