Sunday, February 16, 2025
spot_imgspot_img

Top 5 This Week

spot_imgspot_img

Related Posts

SpaceX Polaris launch delayed due to helium leak detection


A SpaceX capsule carrying four private citizens, including billionaire Jared Isaacman, was delayed due to a helium leak, postponing the mission known as Polaris Dawn. The mission was set to include the first spacewalk by a civilian crew and was rescheduled for later in the week at the earliest. SpaceX has been transporting NASA astronauts to the International Space Station since 2020 and had previously taken private citizens into orbit in 2021 for a charity mission.

The spacewalk on the Polaris Dawn mission is expected to feature two crew members exiting the Crew Dragon spacecraft on a tether, a unique experience since the spacecraft does not have a pressurized airlock. The capsule will be depressurized to allow for this spacewalk, which will contribute to research on the effects of space radiation on astronauts and vehicles. This information will be important for future missions to the moon and Mars, which may require passing through the Van Allen radiation belts.

Isaacman is funding and organizing three planned spaceflights with SpaceX, although the cost and objectives of the program have not been disclosed. The Polaris Dawn mission is the first of these expeditions and will provide valuable data on the challenges of venturing into deep space. The delay due to the helium leak was a setback for SpaceX, but the company remains focused on ensuring the safety and success of the mission.

Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Popular Articles