Two passengers on board a private SpaceX mission completed a spacewalk about 700km above Earth on Thursday, floating their way into the history books as the first civilians to perform the daring stunt.
Billionaire Jared Isaacman was the first to exit the Dragon capsule at 2.50pm, UAE time, while attached to a safety tether, to test the mobility of the new spacesuit designed by SpaceX for this five-day Polaris Dawn mission, which launched on Tuesday.
SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis carried out her spacewalk after Mr Isaacman, chief executive of payment processing firm Shift4, re-entered the spacecraft.
US Air Force Lt Col Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon, who are also part of the mission, were also exposed to the vaccum of space when the hatch was opened.
“Back at home we all have a lot of work to do but from here, it sure looks like a perfect world.” Mr Isaacman, chief executive of payment processing firm Shift4, said as he emerged from the hatch to breathtaking views of the planet.
Both spent about 14 minutes outside of the hatch testing the suits and so mission control could gather data on it.
Polaris Dawn is SpaceX's fifth private mission, with one milestone already achieved after the spacecraft carried passengers to an altitude of 1,400km.
Dr Dimitra Atri, astrophysicist at the New York University Abu Dhabi, told The National that this mission was crucial for future deep space missions.
“SpaceX has ambitious plans to send astronauts to the Moon and Mars,” he said.
“This EVA (spacewalk) is a critical step in testing the capabilities of their space suit in outer space, demonstrating their ability to independently conduct private astronaut missions.”
He said that Polaris Dawn was also important for studying the effects of radiation on astronauts as they pass through the Van Allen radiation belt.
These are regions in space where charged particles surround Earth because they trapped by its magnetic field, which can pose risks to satellites and astronauts.
“Radiation is the biggest roadblock to human crewed missions to Mars,” said Dr Atri.
On Wednesday, the capsule began gradually descending to enable the passengers to perform the spacewalk.
Spacewalks have traditionally been carried out by highly trained astronauts who undergo extensive preparation, often using underwater simulations to mimic the weightlessness of space.
These missions typically take place at altitudes of about 400km above Earth, usually at the International Space Station and China's Tiangong space station.
The EMU (Extravehicular Mobility Unit) and Russian Orlan spacesuits, which are still worn by Nasa, European and Russian astronauts, are bulky and are designed for extended spacewalks but with limited flexibility.
Nasa astronauts have often complained that they are outdated and prevent movements while performing important maintenance tasks outside of the International Space Station.
SpaceX’s suits for the Polaris Dawn mission were designed to be sleek, lightweight and modern to reflect advancements in materials and design.
Testing the suits were critical for future deep space missions, as technology is being developed to transport humans to the Moon and beyond.
Anna Hazlett, founder of AzurX - a UAE-based space advisory and investment firm, told The National that this mission was a welcome boost to the private space sector.
“This is a pivotal moment in space exploration as it signifies the growing accessibility of space, showcasing how private citizens — not just professional astronauts, can now engage in complex missions,” she said.
“As space tourism evolves, Polaris Dawn could set the precedent for more immersive experiences, where future tourists might not just orbit the Earth but also step into the vastness of space itself.”
The mission was first announced in 2022 as part of the broader Polaris programme, funded by Mr Isaacman.
The passengers will also test SpaceX’s Starlink communication system in space for the first time tomorrow in a live demonstration.
They are expected to splashdown off the coast of Florida on Sunday.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
All matches in Bulawayo
Friday, Sept 26 – UAE won by 36 runs
Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
Sunday, Oct 5 – First T20I
Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
Gifts exchanged
- King Charles - replica of President Eisenhower Sword
- Queen Camilla - Tiffany & Co vintage 18-carat gold, diamond and ruby flower brooch
- Donald Trump - hand-bound leather book with Declaration of Independence
- Melania Trump - personalised Anya Hindmarch handbag
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
RESULTS
1.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh 50,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Hugo Lebouc (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)
2pm Handicap (TB) Dh 84,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Karaginsky, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
2.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner Sadeedd, Ryan Curatolo, Nicholas Bachalard.
3pm Conditions (TB) Dh 100,000 (D) 1,950m
Winner Blue Sovereign, Clement Lecoeuvre, Erwan Charpy.
3.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 76,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Tailor’s Row, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
4pm Maiden (TB) Dh 60,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Bladesmith, Tadhg O’Shea, Satish Seemar.
4.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh 68,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Shanaghai City, Fabrice Veron, Rashed Bouresly.
Netherlands v UAE, Twenty20 International series
Saturday, August 3 - First T20i, Amstelveen
Monday, August 5 – Second T20i, Amstelveen
Tuesday, August 6 – Third T20i, Voorburg
Thursday, August 8 – Fourth T20i, Vooryburg
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Superliminal%20
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New Zealand 57-0 South Africa
Tries: Rieko Ioane, Nehe Milner-Skudder (2), Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Ofa Tu'ungfasi, Lima Sopoaga, Codie Taylor. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (7). Penalty: Beauden Barrett
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Spider-Man: No Way Home
Director: Jon Watts
Stars: Tom Holland, Zendaya, Jacob Batalon
Rating:*****
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Know your Camel lingo
The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home
Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless
Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers
Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s
Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival
THE BIO
Bio Box
Role Model: Sheikh Zayed, God bless his soul
Favorite book: Zayed Biography of the leader
Favorite quote: To be or not to be, that is the question, from William Shakespeare's Hamlet
Favorite food: seafood
Favorite place to travel: Lebanon
Favorite movie: Braveheart
The specs: 2019 Haval H6
Price, base: Dh69,900
Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 197hp @ 5,500rpm
Torque: 315Nm @ 2,000rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 7.0L / 100km
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Wicked: For Good
Director: Jon M Chu
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater
Rating: 4/5
The specs: 2018 Nissan Patrol Nismo
Price: base / as tested: Dh382,000
Engine: 5.6-litre V8
Gearbox: Seven-speed automatic
Power: 428hp @ 5,800rpm
Torque: 560Nm @ 3,600rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 12.7L / 100km
ARGYLLE
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