Tech Billionaire's Historic Spacewalk Set to Redefine Private Space Travel This Week

Jared Isaacman, founder and chief executive officer of Shift4 Payments.Photo byPATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images

In a groundbreaking moment for private space exploration, billionaire tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman has rocketed into orbit with SpaceX, aiming to achieve what no private citizen has done before: a spacewalk outside the confines of a spacecraft. This mission, which began with the early morning launch of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Florida, marks a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. It not only demonstrates the capabilities of private space ventures but also opens up new possibilities for the future of space travel. This ambitious endeavor blends cutting-edge innovation with the high-stakes risks of venturing beyond Earth’s atmosphere.

Redefining Private Space Ventures:

Isaacman’s mission is not just about reaching new heights; it's about pushing the limits of private space endeavors. Unlike his previous flight, which was fully chartered, this mission is a shared venture between Isaacman and SpaceX. The collaboration includes developing and rigorously testing new spacesuits to withstand harsh space conditions. If successful, this will mark the first time a private citizen conducts a spacewalk. This milestone could redefine the future of space tourism.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a crew of four lifts off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Sept. 10, 2024.Photo byAP Photo/John Raoux

Pushing the Limits

Scheduled for Thursday, the spacewalk is a highlight of a five-day mission designed to push the boundaries of human space travel. Isaacman, along with SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and a former Air Force Thunderbirds pilot, will attempt to reach an altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers)—surpassing the record set by NASA’s Project Gemini in 1966. This altitude is remarkable for its distance from Earth and extreme conditions, including high radiation levels and potential space debris.

The mission plan involves spending 10 hours at this high altitude before lowering their orbit to 435 miles (700 kilometers). Even at this reduced altitude, they will surpass the International Space Station and the Hubble Space Telescope, setting new records and showcasing the potential of private space exploration.

Details of the Spacewalk

The upcoming spacewalk is set to be a cautious yet historic endeavor. Isaacman and SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis will take turns briefly exiting the Dragon capsule through a hatch. During their spacewalk, they will test their specially designed suits—white with black trim—by performing simple maneuvers, such as twisting their bodies. Both astronauts will remain tethered to the spacecraft, each having a hand or foot in contact with the capsule or an attached support structure resembling the top of a pool ladder. Unlike traditional spacewalks, there will be no floating freely or using jetpacks; the astronauts will stay connected via 12-foot (3.6-meter) tethers to ensure safety and control.

The Polaris Dawn crew: Anna Menon, Scott Poteet, Jared Isaacman, and Sarah Gillis.Photo bySpaceX

Challenges of the Spacewalk

The mission is not without its challenges. Spacewalks are one of the most dangerous aspects of spaceflight, historically reserved for professional astronauts due to the risks involved. Operating outside a spacecraft in the vacuum of space involves significant dangers, from exposure to intense radiation to the threat of space debris.

For this mission, Isaacman and Gillis will rely on custom-designed spacesuits that lack the advanced jetpacks used by NASA astronauts. Instead, they will use tethered support structures and will avoid extensive maneuvers. Their primary task will be to test the durability and functionality of the new suits while remaining tethered to the spacecraft. This approach minimizes the risk while allowing crucial testing in the challenging space environment.

SpaceX Suits.Photo bySpaceX

Balancing Commercial and Scientific Goals

Critics might argue that this mission’s focus on private spacewalks could overshadow the core objectives of space exploration. While the spectacle of a billionaire and his team floating in space may capture the public’s imagination, the commercial allure could overshadow the underlying scientific and exploratory goals. The high costs and focus on private enterprise in space travel may divert attention from broader scientific endeavors and international cooperation that have traditionally driven space exploration.

An illustration of the upcoming space mission.Photo byPolaris Program

Transformative Potential of Private Investment

On the other hand, this mission exemplifies the transformative potential of private investment in space. By pushing the envelope of what is possible, private ventures like Isaacman’s may pave the way for future advancements and greater accessibility in space. Developing new technologies, such as specially designed spacesuits, could eventually benefit a broader range of space missions, including those focused on scientific research and international collaboration. The potential benefits of private space exploration are vast, from accelerating technological advancements to fostering global cooperation in space exploration.

As private space travel continues to evolve, it promises to expand our reach into the cosmos and enhance the collaborative spirit that has been a cornerstone of space exploration for decades. The success of this mission could be a step toward a future where space is more accessible and beneficial for a broader range of purposes, from scientific discovery to global cooperation.