Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-14-2022 07:33 AM
Please use this topic to discuss the Polaris Dawn mission, the first in a series of private SpaceX missions.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 5397 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-14-2022 11:52 AM
Does SpaceX have an airlock developed for Dragon or are they going to purge the cabin for EVA?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-14-2022 11:59 AM
There is no airlock. The cabin will be depressurized, Gemini-style.
As of now, it is planned that only two crew members will venture outside Dragon, but all four astronauts will be wearing SpaceX's new (still in development) EVA spacesuits.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-19-2022 04:04 PM
From the Polaris Program (via Twitter):
Our crew completed their first week of EVA training, practicing maneuvers necessary to move in and out of Dragon during a spacewalk. They also reviewed development of EVA technology and lessons learned from the last 50 years.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 5397 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-19-2022 04:31 PM
Nice touch on the high tech capsule/tunnel mating clamps.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-09-2024 08:11 AM
Update from Polaris Dawn (via X):
We are now targeting no earlier than summer 2024 for launch of Polaris Dawn, the first of the Polaris Program's three human spaceflights.
The crew is actively training at Hawthorne to prepare for this mission's goals, from the first commercial spacewalk to testing Starlink internet aboard Dragon to readying all of the science and research ahead of launch. The additional time continues to provide necessary developmental time to ensure both the completion of these mission goals and a safe launch and return of Dragon and the crew.
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-03-2024 07:12 PM
From Polaris Dawn:
We are targeting no earlier than July 31 for the launch of Polaris Dawn.
damnyankee36 Member
Posts: 73 From: Alamogordo, NM USA Registered: Aug 2017
posted 07-08-2024 12:43 PM
It seems like I read that maybe two? crew members will be participating in the EVA. Is this still the case? Have they been selected yet?
It would be cool if they could all participate, maybe by rotating positions?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-08-2024 03:24 PM
Yes, they have said two crew members will perform the EVA, though all four will be subject to the vacuum of space after the Dragon's cabin is depressurized. The total time at vacuum will be about two hours; the EVAs themselves are expected to last about 20 minutes.
One at a time, the two spacewalkers will use a ladder-like device called the "skywalker" to latch their feet at the hatch opening, so the spacewalks (if I understand correctly) will be more like the stand-up EVA performed by Dave Scott on Apollo 15 rather than the free-floating EVA performed by Ed White on Gemini IV.
Polaris Dawn has not yet announced who will be the two spacewalkers.
Delta7 Member
Posts: 1768 From: Bluffton IN USA Registered: Oct 2007
posted 07-09-2024 07:27 AM
I thought I read somewhere that Isaacman and Gillis would be the EVA crew members.
Ben Member
Posts: 1935 From: United States Registered: May 2000
posted 07-09-2024 09:05 AM
Yes, the two were announced a while ago, Isaacman and Gillis.
J Blackburn Member
Posts: 313 From: Riner Registered: Sep 2011
posted 07-09-2024 11:04 AM
What is the purpose of this spacewalk?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-09-2024 02:16 PM
I must have missed the announcement. I see now that it was reported (by Ars Technica, for example), but from what I can quickly tell, the Polaris Dawn website makes no mention of the spacewalkers being selected.
As for the purpose of the spacewalk, to quote the website, "the execution of the EVA will be important steps toward a scalable design for spacesuits on future long-duration missions."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 07-23-2024 07:45 PM
On July 17, the Polaris Dawn crew had the chance to meet and discuss EVA spacesuit development and operations with Apollo 16 moonwalker Charlie Duke. From commander Jared Isaacman (via X):
It was an incredible honor meeting Charlie Duke, the legendary CAPCOM of Apollo 11 and astronaut who walked on the moon during Apollo 16. His stories and experiences from the Space Race are truly inspiring.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-07-2024 06:12 PM
From Polaris Dawn (via X):
We are targeting no earlier than August 26 for the launch of Polaris Dawn.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Targeting Tuesday, August 27 for launch of Polaris Dawn, the first of the Polaris Program's three human spaceflight missions designed to advance the future of spaceflight.
The new date allows additional time for teams to complete preflight checkouts ahead of next week's launch.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-26-2024 07:30 PM
SpaceX is now targeting Wednesday (Aug. 28) at 3:38 a.m. EDT (0738 GMT) for the Polaris Dawn launch.
Earlier this afternoon, the mission's Falcon 9 rocket was lowered into the horizontal on Pad 39A, as teams took "a closer look at a ground-side helium leak on the quick disconnect umbilical."
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-27-2024 03:36 PM
Update from SpaceX:
Falcon 9 and Dragon are vertical on Pad 39A ahead of flight. Weather is 85% favorable for liftoff and teams are keeping an eye on recovery weather.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-27-2024 09:22 PM
SpaceX has scrubbed tonight's (Aug. 28) launch attempt for at least 48 hours:
Due to unfavorable weather forecasted in Dragon’s splashdown areas off the coast of Florida, we are now standing down from tonight and tomorrow’s Falcon 9 launch opportunities of Polaris Dawn. Teams will continue to monitor weather for favorable launch and return conditions.
From Jared Isaacman:
Our launch criteria are heavily constrained by forecasted splashdown weather conditions. With no ISS rendezvous and limited life support consumables, we must be absolutely sure of reentry weather before launching.
As of now, conditions are not favorable tonight or tomorrow, so we’ll assess day by day. As Elon mentioned, Polaris Dawn is a challenging mission with critical objectives, so we’ll wait for the best opportunity to ensure success. Sometimes, the hardest journeys require the most patience, and we’re ready to wait for the right moment. We know many have traveled to see the launch, and we’re grateful for your support.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 08-29-2024 02:42 PM
Update from Jared Isaacman (via X):
I wanted to share some updates:
The primary factor driving the launch timing for Polaris Dawn is the splashdown weather within Dragon's limits. Unlike an ISS mission, we don't have the option to delay long on orbit, so we must ensure the forecast is as favorable as possible before we launch.
We sincerely apologize to those who have traveled to see our launch and have faced delays. Many of our guests were able to witness 1062's final Starlink mission. While it's unfortunate she didn't stick the last landing, the cause is well understood, and she successfully completed her mission. 1062 had an incredible career, flying many notable missions, including Inspiration4 and AX-1. It's remarkable to think about the life this amazing rocket led from the day she first rolled off the assembly line.
When we are ready to launch, we will be working within the same window as previously briefed.
The crew remains in quarantine, staying productive, keeping fit, and ready to launch within approximately 30 hours of receiving a favorable forecast.
Space exploration demands patience, resilience, and teamwork. We are deeply grateful for the dedication of everyone involved and for the support of those who believe in our mission. Together, we are pushing the boundaries of what's possible and continuing humanity's journey to the stars.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 3110 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 09-03-2024 08:32 AM
So is off shore weather still the driver here? In the Savannah area we are looking at a wet week with significant off shore showers. Just wondering what maybe influencing setting a new date now that the FAA has cleared the vehicle for RTS.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-03-2024 11:09 AM
The drone ship was seen departing the port, setting up a possible attempt this week, but the weather forecast hasn't improved and there have been no updates from Polaris or SpaceX, so we wait for news.
SpaceAholic Member
Posts: 5397 From: Sierra Vista, Arizona Registered: Nov 1999
Posts: 1935 From: United States Registered: May 2000
posted 09-03-2024 12:07 PM
It is a case of forecasting the weather for end-of-mission splashdown, which is five days after launch, prior to launch day.
Launch weather in the 'ascent corridor' up the Eastern Seaboard is also a factor for these crew launches in case of a launch abort.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 3110 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 09-03-2024 12:14 PM
quote:Originally posted by SpaceAholic: That time of the year.
September 10 marks the peak of the Atlantic hurricane season.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-05-2024 03:35 PM
From Jared Isaacman (via X):
We receive daily weather briefs and we can launch within about 30 hours of getting favorable conditions to support splashdown. I think we are all surprised about how uncooperative the wind is being across our supported locations.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-08-2024 09:19 PM
From SpaceX (via X):
Targeting no earlier than Tuesday, September 10 for Falcon 9's launch of the Polaris Dawn mission.
Weather is currently 40% favorable for liftoff, and conditions at the possible splashdown sites for Dragon's return to Earth remain a watch item.
As before, SpaceX is targeting 3:38 a.m. EDT (0738 GMT) for the liftoff, with two additional opportunities within the four-hour launch window at 5:23 a.m. EDT and 7:09 a.m. EDT (0923 GMT and 1109 GMT).
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-09-2024 07:52 PM
Update from SpaceX:
Falcon 9 and Dragon are ready for flight. Weather is 40% favorable for liftoff and the webcast goes live about 3.5 hours ahead of launch.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-09-2024 11:46 PM
The custom license plates for the SpaceX Tesla Model X crew transport vehicles that brought the Polaris Dawn astronauts to the launch pad read "4STJUDE" and featured artwork by St. Jude Children's Ressearch Hospital patients:
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-10-2024 01:56 AM
The countdown is being reset for the second launch opportunity this morning at 5:23:49 a.m. EDT (0923 GMT). From SpaceX (via X):
Due to unfavorable weather at the launch site, now targeting 5:23 a.m. ET for Falcon 9 to launch Polaris Program's Polaris Dawn mission to orbit.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-10-2024 04:25 AM
Liftoff! The Polaris Dawn mission has begun!
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 3110 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 09-10-2024 05:09 AM
We had a clear view here in Guyton (near Savannah, Georgia). We saw it through second stage burn as we had a clear morning.
issman1 Member
Posts: 1141 From: UK Registered: Apr 2005
posted 09-10-2024 05:25 AM
This is the riskiest human spaceflight since STS-1, so I hope and pray it succeeds.
davidcwagner Member
Posts: 1060 From: Albuquerque, New Mexico Registered: Jan 2003
posted 09-10-2024 10:56 AM
What is latitude and longitude coordinate for the 800+ mile apogee?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-10-2024 12:20 PM
This is the extent of what SpaceX has said:
Falcon 9 will launch Dragon to an elliptical orbit of 190 by 1,200 km, where it will orbit the Earth about eight times before raising itself to an apogee of 1,400 km. This will be the highest humans have traveled in Earth’s orbit since the completion of the Apollo program over 50 years ago.
damnyankee36 Member
Posts: 73 From: Alamogordo, NM USA Registered: Aug 2017
posted 09-10-2024 12:43 PM
I saw a YouTube video, I believe it was, that it will be somewhere in the Eastern/Southern hemisphere (Africa/Indian Ocean maybe?).
Anybody have a time Thursday when the spacewalk is to begin?
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-10-2024 12:46 PM
From SpaceX:
The Polaris Dawn crew will attempt the EVA from Dragon on Thursday, September 12 at 2:23 a.m. ET. If needed, a backup opportunity is available on Friday, September 13 at the same time.
A live webcast will begin about one hour prior to the beginning of the spacewalk, which you can watch here and on X at @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
SkyMan1958 Member
Posts: 1394 From: CA. Registered: Jan 2011
posted 09-10-2024 07:22 PM
For what it is worth, from what I can remember, Gemini 11's apogee was over the Indian Ocean. Apogee was 1,368 km.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 53214 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-14-2022 07:33 AM
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