Polaris Dawn Spacewalk: World’s First Commercial Spacewalk Completed

The Polaris Dawn spacewalk is now complete, marking the first time commercial astronauts have completed a spacewalk from a commercial spacecraft!

Dragon’s repressurization complete 

Dragon’s repressurization resumes

Leak check complete

Dragon uses pure nitrogen during repress, which mixes with the pure oxygen being released into the cabin via the open loop system that keeps the EVA suits pressurized. This process is unique to Dragon which acts as its own airlock

View of inside Dragon as the spacecraft continues to repress and conduct the hatch leak check

Hatch leak check underway

Mission Specialist conducts suit mobility tests 

The cabin pressure was increased for stabilisation. 

Polaris Dawn astronauts have completed the spacewalk and the mobility tasks as SpaceX is now closing the hatch of the Dragon spacecraft.

Astronaut Sarah Gillis exits the Crew Dragon

Jared back inside 

Hatch is open on Dragon 

Jared Isaacman was just given the go-ahead to begin prying open the Crew Dragon hatch

Astronauts to step out anytime now

The four-person Polaris Dawn team has authorized the next step in their spacewalk: venting the cabin. According to SpaceX’s Dan Huot, this eight-minute process will reduce the cabin pressure to match the vacuum of space outside the hatch.

The spacewalk will occur while a record 19 astronauts orbit Earth. Russia's Soyuz MS-26 mission recently transported two cosmonauts and a U.S. astronaut to the ISS, raising its crew count to a rare 12. Additionally, three Chinese astronauts are aboard the Tiangong space station.

In a groundbreaking moment for private space exploration, the first visuals from inside SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft have been released, showcasing the four astronauts aboard as they prepare for an unprecedented private spacewalk. The footage, captured as part of the mission's pre-launch activities, offers a rare glimpse into the spacecraft's interior and the meticulous preparations of the crew.