Tech billionaire Jared Isaacman is set to embark on the first private spacewalk on Thursday, following his chartered flight with SpaceX. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk helped develop brand new spacesuits for Isaacman, who will be the first non-professional to attempt a spacewalk. Spacewalking is considered the most dangerous part of any flight and requires extensive training, with retired NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy emphasizing the risks involved.
The dangers of spacewalking were highlighted in 2013 when Italian astronaut Luca Parmitano almost drowned outside the International Space Station. There are concerns that the wealthy could try to bypass necessary training to jump to the front of the spacewalking line. Risk and disaster analyst Ilan Kelman anticipates fatalities as non-professionals begin performing spacewalks, stressing the importance of being honest about the risks involved.
Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will venture just outside the Dragon capsule, which lacks an airlock, to test new suits fresh from the factory. The crew will be exposed to the vacuum of space as they conduct the spacewalk about 450 miles above Earth. Safety measures include tethering and maintaining contact with the capsule or a ladder-like support. The whole spacewalk is expected to last no more than two hours, with each crew member taking turns outside.
To date, 263 individuals from a dozen countries have performed spacewalks, with the Soviet Union and NASA leading the way. China, Europe, Japan, Canada, and the United Arab Emirates have also had astronauts conduct spacewalks, usually under NASA or Russian control. With SpaceX aiming to send people to the moon and Mars, this private spacewalk is seen as a starting point for future missions. The crew of four, including Isaacman and Gillis, has undergone extensive training focused on the spacewalk, the highlight of their planned five-day flight.
Spacewalking opportunities for non-professionals are expected to increase, with Kelman emphasizing the need to reduce risks and be transparent about the dangers involved. Isaacman has invested in the flight but has not disclosed the exact amount. The crew’s mission is seen as paving the way for future space exploration, with SpaceX already planning missions to the moon and Mars. The spacewalk will be closely monitored, and safety precautions will be in place to ensure the crew’s well-being during this historic event.
