How to Watch SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Launch

SpaceX is gearing up for its groundbreaking Polaris Dawn mission, where four astronauts will be launched into orbit aboard the Crew Dragon capsule. This mission will involve a five-day journey through the Van Allen radiation belts and mark the first spacewalk conducted by private astronauts.

For those interested in learning more about the mission and how to watch it live, read on.

Announced in 2022, Polaris Dawn is funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman and will include three other astronauts: Scott Poteet, Anna Menon, and Sarah Gillis. Isaacman and Gillis will conduct the spacewalk around 430 miles above Earth.

The Polaris Dawn crew. Image: SpaceX

Upon entering orbit, the crew will reach a height of 870 miles, the farthest astronauts have traveled since the Apollo missions. They will navigate through the Van Allen belts, zones of radiation containing high-energy particles from the Sun and cosmic rays.

In addition to the spacewalk, the mission will test SpaceX’s new EVA spacesuits for improved mobility. These suits feature a 3D-printed helmet with a heads-up display and glare-mitigating visor.

All four astronauts will wear these suits during the spacewalk, as the Crew Dragon lacks an airlock, exposing them to space vacuum. The mission will also contribute to research on space radiation effects and test Starlink’s internet technology and more.

Polaris Dawn is set for launch on Tuesday, August 27th at 3:38AM ET, with backup times at 5:23AM ET and 7:09AM ET. The Crew Dragon will lift off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

How can you watch the Polaris Dawn launch? Tune into the livestream on SpaceX’s website and X page, starting at 12:05AM ET. The spacewalk will also be streamed on SpaceX’s site and X.

FAQs

Q: What is the purpose of the Polaris Dawn mission?

A: The mission aims to conduct a spacewalk, test new spacesuits, study space radiation effects, test Starlink technology, and more.

Q: When will the Polaris Dawn mission take place?

A: The launch is scheduled for Tuesday, August 27th at 3:38AM ET, with backup times at 5:23AM ET and 7:09AM ET.

Credit: www.theverge.com