SpaceX recently unveiled its highly anticipated spacesuits designed for spacewalks, set to be utilized on an upcoming private spaceflight mission. The extravehicular activity (EVA) suits were showcased on the company’s website and social media on May 4, marking a significant milestone in space exploration.

These innovative suits, a modification of the pressure suits worn by astronauts on Crew Dragon flights, are specifically tailored for spacewalks. The upgraded design features new joint designs that remain flexible until pressurized, ensuring enhanced mobility for astronauts. Additionally, the suits boast improved thermal management, an upgraded helmet with an exterior coating serving as a sun visor, and a camera with a heads-up display providing vital information during spacewalks. Umbilicals attached to the suits provide essential life support.

The maiden voyage for these cutting-edge suits will be the Polaris Dawn mission, part of the Polaris program spearheaded by billionaire Jared Isaacman. The mission will see Isaacman joined by Kidd Poteet, Sarah Gillis, and Anna Menon, all outfitted in the new EVA suits. Due to the absence of an airlock on Crew Dragon, the capsule will need to be depressurized for the spacewalk to take place.

During a social media discussion hosted by SpaceX, Gillis revealed that the spacewalk is expected to last approximately two hours, factoring in the time needed to depressurize and repressurize the cabin. Two astronauts will exit the capsule using a specialized device called a ‘skywalker’ at the front hatch, equipped with handholds and interfaces to facilitate their movement through the hatch.

The spacewalkers will undergo a comprehensive ‘test matrix’ to evaluate the performance of the EVA suits in various scenarios. This includes assessing mobility and movement in the microgravity environment to ensure optimal functionality during the mission. The tests will provide crucial data on the suits’ performance outside the spacecraft.

Prior to their space debut, the suits underwent rigorous ground testing, including a simulation where the entire Crew Dragon capsule was placed in a vacuum chamber and depressurized with ‘spacesuit simulators’ inside. The successful testing validated the suits’ functionality and readiness for the upcoming mission.