Jared Isaacman recently returned to Earth after participating in a historic orbital mission called Polaris Dawn, reaching a distance of 870 miles away-the highest Earth orbit any human has been to since 1972. He conducted a spacewalk, becoming the first private citizen to do so. The experience was overwhelming, with cold temperatures, adrenaline, physical exertion, and the sight of Earth all together. The spacewalk was scheduled for two hours but only lasted 90 minutes. Isaacman and his crew spent years training for the mission, with three-quarters of the training taking up a significant portion of each month. All four crew members, including Isaacman and Gillis, donned their spacesuits during the spacewalk.
Isaacman reflected on his experiences in space, mentioning that looking away from Earth was not a welcoming sensation. However, he acknowledged the importance of hard work and preparation to explore beyond our planet. Polaris Dawn was Isaacman’s second trip to space, following his Inspiration4 initiative in 2021. The mission raised over $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, with a significant contribution from Isaacman and Elon Musk. The crew also had poignant moments in space, such as listening to Sarah Gillis, a crewmate and violinist, play the violin on the spacecraft.
The most terrifying part of the mission for Isaacman was re-entry, as it was a high-pressure environment where astronauts have no control. The g-forces and uncertainty during re-entry made it a challenging experience. Polaris Dawn is the first of three planned missions, with the next mission scheduled in approximately two to three years. The third voyage depends on the progress of SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft and rocket system. Isaacman’s company, Shift4, is also an investor in SpaceX, with its value increasing significantly over time.
Isaacman emphasized that there is no economic benefit for his space endeavors, as he is fortunate to prioritize resources in areas he is passionate about. Polaris Dawn had specific scientific goals, including testing new spacesuits, communication methods, and conducting scientific research experiments. Data from the mission will help inform future long-duration missions and assist in designing the next generation of spacesuits. Isaacman is concerned about the divisive political environment on Earth, emphasizing the need to focus on similarities and work together to create a better future.
Overall, Isaacman’s recent space mission has been a significant milestone in private space travel history. The successful completion of Polaris Dawn has opened up new opportunities for scientific research and space exploration. Isaacman’s commitment to advancing space technology and exploration, along with his philanthropic efforts, positions him as a key figure in the future of space travel. With plans for future missions and continued collaboration with SpaceX, Isaacman’s contributions to the space industry are poised to make a lasting impact for years to come.
