SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission will take off on Friday. Here’s what the crew is going to be wearing

The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission featuring the first spacewalk by private citizens is now slated for launch this Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Spearheaded by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, the mission aims to achieve a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers) — the highest reached by a crewed mission in over 50 years, since NASA's Apollo program.
A key highlight will be the first-ever spacewalk conducted by a crew of four non-professional astronauts, who will be wearing newly designed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits. These EVA suits represent a significant advancement in spacesuit technology, tailored specifically for the unique challenges of this commercial spacewalk.

Developed by SpaceX, the suit is an evolution of the one already used by astronauts aboard the Dragon spacecraft, with several key enhancements for safety and functionality during spacewalks:

1. 3D-printed helmet: The suit features a 3D-printed helmet with a single-layer visor made of copper and indium-tin oxide, which provides protection against micrometeoroids and harsh space environments. The helmet also includes a heads-up display, allowing astronauts to monitor suit metrics like oxygen levels and temperature without looking away from their tasks.

2. Fireproof and stretchable fabric: The suit is constructed from fireproof materials that can withstand extreme temperatures. The fabric is also designed to be stretchable, giving astronauts better mobility, which is crucial during the spacewalk.

3. Redundant seals and pressure valves: To ensure the safety of the crew, the suit is equipped with redundant seals and pressure valves. These features help maintain the suit's integrity in case of a minor breach, which is critical during a spacewalk where even a small tear could be life-threatening.

4. Novel rotator joints: The inclusion of rotator joints in the suit allows for greater freedom of movement, particularly in the shoulders and arms. This is vital for astronauts to perform intricate tasks while outside the spacecraft.

5. Advanced boots: The boots of the EVA suit are made from the same heat-retardant material used on the Falcon 9 rocket. This ensures that the astronauts' feet are protected from extreme temperatures, which can vary drastically in space.

6. Suit metrics display: A heads-up display integrated into the helmet provides real-time data on suit health, including oxygen levels and pressure, enabling astronauts to react swiftly in case of anomalies.

These suits are not only crucial for the safety and effectiveness of the planned spacewalk during Polaris Dawn but also represent a step forward in the development of gear that will be essential for future missions, potentially including deep-space exploration.