SpaceX Poised for Historic First Private Spacewalk
In a bold move for space exploration, SpaceX is set to make history with the first private spacewalk, led by tech billionaire Jared Isaacman. On Thursday, Isaacman will step out of a SpaceX capsule into the vastness of space, marking a thrilling new chapter for space tourism. His mission, launched from Florida, propels him and his crew higher than anyone has flown since NASA’s moon missions. This milestone is part of a partnership with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to develop cutting-edge spacesuits and advance private space travel.
The Evolution of Spacewalking
Until now, spacewalking has been an elite and dangerous task, limited to astronauts from only 12 countries. Spacewalks, or extravehicular activities (EVAs), are considered one of the riskiest aspects of any space mission, second only to launch and reentry. Chris Cassidy, a retired NASA astronaut, emphasized the difference between spacewalking and simply orbiting Earth, noting that spacewalks involve far more risk and require rigorous training.
Cassidy’s concern is rooted in personal experience. In 2013, his fellow astronaut, Luca Parmitano, nearly drowned when water from his cooling system flooded his helmet during a spacewalk. Parmitano barely returned to the spacecraft in time, underscoring the dangers of working in space’s harsh environment. “A spacewalk is a whole different ballgame,” Cassidy warned.
Balancing Risk with Opportunity
Privatizing space travel raises essential questions about the safety of non-professional spacewalkers. Ilan Kelman, a disaster risk expert from University College London, acknowledged that private spacewalks are “inevitable.” However, he also predicts potential fatalities, urging transparency about the risks involved and emphasizing that rescuing someone during a spacewalk is exceedingly tricky.
Pushing Boundaries with New Technology
Isaacman and his crew will venture outside their Dragon capsule, which will orbit 450 miles above Earth—an altitude specifically lowered to accommodate the spacewalk. Unlike spacewalks conducted at the International Space Station (ISS), where astronauts perform maintenance, this mission is mainly experimental. The crew will test brand-new spacesuits designed by SpaceX, which could pave the way for safer and more efficient spacewalks in the future. Without an airlock, the capsule’s atmosphere will be discarded and restored, adding another layer of risk to the venture.
According to Isaacman, the biggest challenge lies in safely managing the cabin atmosphere. “You can’t afford to get anything wrong,” he said, underscoring the importance of precision for the mission’s success.
A New Era in Space Exploration
The crew has undergone extensive training for the past two years, focusing on the upcoming spacewalk. This training includes simulations of various emergency scenarios, ensuring that the crew is well-prepared for any situation. SpaceX’s Bill Gerstenmaier, a former NASA official, noted that the team has invested significant effort into preparing the capsule and suits for this mission. Safety protocols are paramount: Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will remain attached to the spacecraft by 12-foot tether lines and keep a hand or foot on the capsule at all times to prevent drifting into space.
Each will spend 15 to 20 minutes outside while their crewmates monitor the process from inside the capsule. The entire spacewalk is expected to last less than two hours. Despite the mission’s high stakes, Isaacman has remained tight-lipped about the project’s financial cost.
Looking Ahead: Private Spacewalking as a Trend
While private spacewalks are just beginning, they build on a legacy that dates back to 1965, when Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov performed the world’s first spacewalk. NASA’s Ed White followed closely behind, with astronauts from China, Japan, Europe, and Canada joining the spacewalking ranks in subsequent years. Now, SpaceX aims to push the frontier further, with aspirations to send humans to the moon and Mars. According to Gillis, this mission is the starting point. “We need to start somewhere,” she said, “and the first step is what we’re doing on this mission.”
Isaacman’s upcoming spacewalk represents a significant moment for space tourism and marks the beginning of a new era where non-professionals might one day experience the ultimate adventure: walking among the stars.