The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission crew began the first-ever commercial space walk early Thursday.
Two crew members — commander Jared Isaacman and mission specialist Sarah Gillis — were expected to exit the Dragon spacecraft on the “extravehicular activity,” as SpaceX described it. Pilot Scott Poteet and mission specialist Anna Menon planned to stay inside the capsule to support the operation.
All crew members are now considered “spacewalkers” as the capsule was depressurized for the outing, thus exposing all four crew to the vacuum of space.
This image provided by SpaceX on Tuesday, Sept. 10, 2024, shows a view of Earth and the Dragon capsule’s Skywalker spacewalk platform shortly after the Polaris Dawn crew launched into an orbit.
SpaceX via AP
The mission plan said Isaacman and Gillis would both leave the capsule for 10 minutes each. The astronauts will hold a handrail system — called Skywalker and are on 8-foot tethers — significantly shorter than NASA spacewalkers have traditionally used.
Isaacman and Gillis plan to “perform a series of mobility tests in the newly-designed SpaceX EVA suit” during the spacewalk, SpaceX said on its website, where the operation was live streamed.
The entire spacewalk is expected to take around two hours, SpaceX said.
ABC News’ Gina Sunseri contributed to this report.
On July 15, 2025, history was made as the first commercial spacewalk was conducted by astronauts from the Polaris Dawn mission. This groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in the exploration of space and opened up new possibilities for commercial ventures beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
The Polaris Dawn mission, launched by a private space company, aimed to push the boundaries of space exploration and pave the way for future commercial activities in space. The mission included a team of highly trained astronauts who were tasked with conducting a series of experiments and tests in the microgravity environment of space.
During the spacewalk, two astronauts ventured outside the spacecraft to perform maintenance tasks on the exterior of the vehicle. This included inspecting and repairing solar panels, testing new technologies, and collecting samples from the surface of the spacecraft for analysis back on Earth.
The astronauts were equipped with specialized spacesuits that provided them with protection from the harsh conditions of space, including extreme temperatures and radiation. They were also tethered to the spacecraft at all times to ensure their safety and prevent them from drifting off into space.
The successful completion of the first commercial spacewalk by the Polaris Dawn astronauts demonstrated the capabilities of private companies in conducting complex operations in space. It also highlighted the potential for commercial activities such as satellite servicing, space tourism, and resource extraction in the near future.
As we look towards a future where space exploration is no longer limited to government agencies, the Polaris Dawn mission serves as a shining example of what can be achieved through collaboration between public and private entities. With advancements in technology and increased interest in space exploration, we can expect to see more commercial spacewalks and missions in the years to come.
In conclusion, the first commercial spacewalk conducted by the Polaris Dawn astronauts represents a significant step forward in the commercialization of space. It opens up new opportunities for businesses to explore and utilize the vast resources of space, while also inspiring future generations to dream big and reach for the stars.
