Jared Isaacman returned from the Polaris Dawn mission he led with SpaceX on September 15.
Polaris Program / AFP
Jared Isaacman orchestrated the inaugural private spacewalk during SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission.
The mission set a new record for NASA’s Earth orbit and trialed advanced Starlink communication technology.
He shared insights with Business Insider about his experience, the differences he felt during this second journey to space, and the challenges of living beyond our planet.
Jared Isaacman’s second venture into space was a markedly different experience.
The billionaire founder of Shift4 made headlines two months ago when he opened the hatch of a SpaceX spacecraft and ventured into outer space. This historic moment represented the first-ever private spacewalk.
“The only thing separating you from the vacuum of death is a single-pane visor,” Isaacman recounted to Business Insider.
This visor was part of SpaceX’s innovative extravehicular activity suits—described by Isaacman as “essentially your spaceship.” The four-member crew tested these suits during their nearly five-day Polaris Dawn mission. In case of an emergency, both Isaacman and his fellow crew member, SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, had approximately two hours’ worth of oxygen available.
“Everything in that environment is trying to kill you,” stated Isaacman. “From radiation exposure to an inhospitable atmosphere, not to mention debris traveling at speeds far exceeding bullets.”
The @PolarisProgram‘s Polaris Dawn crew performed the first-ever spacewalk from Dragon, travelled farther from Earth than anyone since Apollo program, and used @Starlink to connect with those back on Earth pic.twitter.com/GRv5AbtlNv
The hatch remained open for 25 minutes. During this time frame, both he and Gillis spent around eight minutes outside their capsule. Although it felt brief, they successfully completed three suit mobility tests within that period.
Isaacman compared gazing into the vast darkness of outer space to explorers setting sail in uncharted waters centuries ago—when fears loomed over falling off Earth’s edge or encountering mythical sea creatures.
The sensation outside the SpaceX Dragon capsule was described by him as “very different,” highlighting an intensity emanating from Earth that no video could adequately convey.
“All your senses seem heightened together; it fosters a deeper appreciation for how hostile and unwelcoming outer space truly is,” said Isaacman.
The actual spacewalk took place at altitudes reaching up to 460 miles above our planet. The Polaris Dawn team conducted around 38 scientific experiments aimed at understanding radiation’s effects on human physiology—contributing valuable knowledge toward long-duration missions planned for Mars exploration and beyond.
“We aimed not only to assess suit mobility but also thermal regulation amid significant temperature fluctuations,” explained Isaacman regarding their objectives during this groundbreaking mission with SpaceX—the second time he has traveled with Elon Musk’s company after previously flying aboard Inspiration4 in September 2021 which raised over $240 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital through charitable efforts focused on inspiring support for healthcare initiatives worldwide. This latest endeavor surpassed NASA’s previous record concerning highest altitude achieved in Earth’s orbit while also marking humanity’s furthest journey since Apollo 17 back in ’72. Additionally noteworthy: they transmitted what became known as history’s inaugural violin performance conducted within outer-space parameters utilizing Starlink technology!
< p lang = 'en'dir = 'ltr'>Join us alongside @PolarisDawn crew members who will share insights behind some ~40 science & research experiments being executed throughout this remarkable expedition! Many findings promise invaluable information regarding human health amidst future extended-duration missions!< / p > — Polaris (@PolarisProgram) September13th2024< / a >
< p id ='bc022570-c4bf -4a9b -8405 -9fa6c5f940aa'>In Netflix docuseries chronicling Jared’s initial voyage via Inspiration4 , his spouse expressed concerns surrounding potential mishaps occurring . However , upon embarking upon subsequent journey involving PolarisDawn , those anxieties appeared alleviated accordingtoIsaacman’s account . < p id ='bc022570-c4bf -4a9b -8405 -9fa6c5f940aa'>“I believe my family—including my wife specifically—were much more excited than they were previously ,”he remarked while speakingwithBI . < p id ='bc022570-c4bf -4a9b -8405 -9fa6c5f940aa'>He attributed some relief stemmingfrom successful completionoffirstmission undertaken earlierthisyear . < figure>< img src =" https :// i.insider .com /67338 b1 b192 f52589857e512 ? format = jpeg " height ="1326 " width ="1476 " alt =" A screenshot showing spacesuits utilized during Polari sDawn "/ > < figcaption > These specialized suits feature flame-resistant exteriors alongwith thermal garments designedfor optimal temperature control.< br />screenshot/Pola ris Program
< br />< br />< div style=text-align:center;margin-top:20px;margin-bottom:20px;font-size:14px;color:#999999;background-color:#F7F7F7;padding:10px;border-radius:8px;'>Re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere posed its own setof challenges despite thorough preparation undertakenbySpace X team members ; any significant damage inflicted upon heat shield or protective systems would leave them without contingency plans should issues arise accordingtoIsaacman’s statements made post-mission completion !
While acknowledging inherent risks involved ,bothheandhisfamily maintain perspective believing endeavors are worthwhile pursuits overall !
‘Future Plans — Anticipating Breakthroughs Ahead’
After returning safely back onto solid ground once again following extensive medical evaluations spanning roughly three days thereafter resumed normalcy within daily routines promptly thereafter !
Currently engaged heavily traveling across various facilities conducting debriefings regularly estimating having slept only four or five times inside personal bed since embarking upon extraordinary adventure amongst stars above us all!
Maintaining position as CEO enables him greater flexibility allowing continued collaboration between organizations suchasSt.JudeChildren’sResearchHospitalandSpace X itself where funding provided supports both current projects including recent endeavors likePolarisdawn alongside prior ones too!
Looking ahead though remains optimistic about future prospects stating intentions revolve around executing three distinct missions mapped out over next six-to-nine years timeframe ahead wherein further advancements anticipated particularly related towards development surrounding spacesuit technologies utilized throughout upcoming expeditions planned accordingly!
Moreover third installment slated become inaugural manned flight utilizing most powerful rocket system ever constructed known simply astheStarship designed fulfill aspirations envisioned byElonMusk himself aiming establish permanent settlements locateduponMars eventually one day soon enough too!
Sharing similar beliefs heldbycofounder Musk himself regarding humanity becoming multiplanetary species ultimately achievable goal seems feasible given technological advancements expected arrive shortly thereafter leading towards frequent launches occurring weekly/monthly basis potentially paving way numerous opportunities rangingfrom asteroid mining ventures establishing bases situated moon/Mars alike !
However obstacles persist even after establishing off-world colonies ensuring astronauts remain healthy mentally stable crucial aspect needing addressed thoroughly before proceeding further down path chosen hereafter.
As noted approximately fifty percent individuals venturing forthintoouterspace encounter sickness symptoms experienced firsthand following landing whereonecrew member suffered mild case associated neuromuscular syndrome impacting vision temporarily subsiding quickly afterward illustrating health risks faced when exploring realms beyond earthbound confines altogether.
Furthermore surgical procedures childbirth have never been attemptedwithinspace environment presenting additional psychological hurdles encountered living awayfromhome base indefinitely must be considered seriously moving forward henceforth.
Despite uncertainties lingering still holds firm belief envisioning brighter tomorrow awaits mankind walking freely across Martian soil someday soon enough if we proceed cautiously making certain every step taken leads toward right direction ultimately benefiting all humankind collectively !
“We just need approach things carefully ensure everything done correctly because if accomplished properly results could alter trajectory course humanity forever!” concludedIsaacmantohighlight significance undertaking such monumental tasks ahead awaiting discovery yet untold possibilities lie just beyond horizon waiting unveil themselves gradually unfolding reality before eyes witnessing transformation unfold right now! “`
