SpaceX crew dragon mission prepares for high-risk spacewalk
In a groundbreaking move for private space missions, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon spacecraft is set to undergo a high-risk spacewalk in approximately 45 hours. The mission will see the gumdrop-shaped capsule’s entire cabin depressurized and exposed to the vacuum of space, with only two astronauts floating outside, tethered by an oxygen line. The remaining crew will rely solely on their spacesuits for life support.
Ahead of the spacewalk, the astronauts will begin a “pre-breathe” procedure to replace the cabin’s air with pure oxygen, removing nitrogen to prevent decompression sickness, commonly known as “the bends.” This condition, which affects divers who ascend too quickly, can cause bubbles in the bloodstream, blocking blood flow and posing serious health risks.
During the mission, the crew will utilize an ultrasound device to monitor for bubble formation. This process is part of a broader set of scientific experiments designed to offer insights into astronaut health and vehicle performance in space environments. Researchers hope the data will provide valuable information about conditions on the Moon and in deep space.
Emmanuel Urquieta, Vice Chair for Aerospace Medicine at the University of Central Florida, highlighted the unique opportunity presented by the mission. “It gives us a very unique opportunity to test these vehicles in such a very unique environment,” he said.
While NASA missions adhere to strict safety standards, private missions like Polaris operate without equivalent U.S. regulations. SpaceX officials and the Polaris crew addressed this during a news conference, outlining that they have prepared for various contingencies, including potential oxygen leaks or hatch door failures. However, they did not provide specific details about their contingency plans.
Astronaut Mark Reisman expressed confidence in the Polaris crew’s preparedness but acknowledged the high stakes. “There’s not a lot of room for error,” Reisman noted.
As the mission approaches, all eyes will be on SpaceX to see how their innovative approach to space exploration unfolds.