Tech Billionaire Launches First Private Spacewalk with SpaceX

The first private spacewalk is set to occur on Thursday, with tech billionaire Jared Isaacman stepping out of his SpaceX capsule. This event comes two days after he and his crew launched from Florida, reaching heights not seen since NASA's moon missions. Isaacman has collaborated with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk to purchase rocket rides and develop new spacesuits.

SpaceX's Bold Move

SpaceX is the first private entity attempting a spacewalk, a feat previously achieved by only 12 countries. Spacewalking is considered one of the most hazardous aspects of space travel, requiring extensive training. "Spacewalks are a whole different entire ballgame than just strapping into a rocket and riding it, getting some zero-g time and coming back," said retired NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy.

Cassidy has firsthand experience with the dangers of spacewalking. In 2013, while working outside the International Space Station, his partner Luca Parmitano nearly drowned when his helmet filled with water. Parmitano barely made it back inside in time. "Another 30 minutes that day and 'the answer might be different,'" Cassidy noted.

Training and Preparation

Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis will venture just outside their capsule at an altitude of about 450 miles above Earth. Their orbit was initially twice as high but was reduced for the spacewalk. The crew will test new suits, all exposed to the vacuum of space since the Dragon capsule lacks an airlock.

For safety, Isaacman and Gillis will keep a foot or hand on the capsule or a support structure above the hatch. They will be tethered to 12-foot lines but will not dangle at the end of them. Each will spend 15 to 20 minutes outside, testing their suits while their crewmates monitor from inside.

Risks and Concerns

Risk analyst Ilan Kelman from University College London believes it's "appropriate and inevitable" that non-professionals will perform spacewalks but anticipates fatalities along the way. "We can and should do plenty to reduce the risk," Kelman said. He emphasised honesty about the low chance of rescue if something goes wrong.

Isaacman considers restoring cabin atmosphere after venturing outside as the riskiest part of the mission. "You can't afford to get anything wrong along that journey or you sidetrack it," he said. The crew's primary focus over the past two years has been preparing for this spacewalk.

Historical Context

To date, 263 individuals from a dozen countries have performed spacewalks, starting with Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov in 1965 and NASA's Ed White shortly after. China joined this elite group in 2008, followed by astronauts from Europe, Japan, Canada, and the UAE under NASA or Russian control.

SpaceX aims to pave the way for future missions to the moon and Mars. "We need to start somewhere and the first step is what we're doing on this mission," Gillis stated. The entire spacewalk is expected to last no more than two hours.

The mission represents a significant milestone in private space exploration, blending innovation with rigorous preparation to ensure safety and success in this challenging endeavour.