SpaceX launched four crew on a private space mission on Tuesday, which will include the first all-civilian spacewalk.
A Falcon 9 rocket carried billionaire Jared Isaacman and three others into space from a Florida spaceport, with the Dragon passenger capsule set to climb 1,400km above Earth – the farthest humans have been since the Apollo 17 mission to the Moon in December 1972.
The five-day civilian mission was announced in 2022 as part of the broader Polaris programme, funded by chief executive of payment processing firm Shift4 Mr Isaacman, but was delayed several times because of the complexity of the mission.
“Furthest from Earth that humans have been in over half a century,” SpaceX founder Elon Musk said hours before lift-off.
The Dragon capsule will gradually lower its altitude to 700km on the third day of mission so that Mr Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis can perform the history-making spacewalk.
They will exit the craft and float out into the darkness of space for about two hours.
Salem Al Marri, director general of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre, which oversees the nation's astronaut and lunar programme, told The National that he believed this mission was helping to push the boundaries of space exploration.
“The orbit that they are going to – the height – is something that hasn't happened for a very long time, since the Apollo days, and that's exciting for somebody like myself,” he said. “I think the view from Earth that they will get is going to be very different than what astronauts have been getting over the past 30 to 40 years.”
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 around 400km above Earth, usually at the International Space Station and China's Tiangong space station.
“This first private spacewalk, or at least attempting to come out of a spacecraft without using the typical EMU or Orlan suits [worn by Nasa, European and Russian astronauts] is also something that's unique,” said Mr Al Marri. “We will be watching that as space enthusiasts as well as employees of the Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre.”
SpaceX has developed a new spacesuit for the walk, designed to improve flexibility and mobility.
It includes a high-tech helmet and enhanced thermal management to maintain astronauts' comfort in space. The mission, which includes US Air Force Lt Col Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon, will also test SpaceX’s Starlink communication system in space for the first time.
Currently, the Starlink fleet is used to provide high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas worldwide.
It is hoped the test during the Polaris Dawn mission will demonstrate how well the laser connection is between Starlink satellites and the Dragon capsule, which could prove useful in future long-duration missions. Polaris Dawn will be SpaceX's fifth crewed private space mission, with another – Fram2 – scheduled for later this year.
How to apply for a drone permit
- Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
- Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
- Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
- Submit their request
What are the regulations?
- Fly it within visual line of sight
- Never over populated areas
- Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
- Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
- Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
- Should have a live feed of the drone flight
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
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
The bio
Academics: Phd in strategic management in University of Wales
Number one caps: His best-seller caps are in shades of grey, blue, black and yellow
Reading: Is immersed in books on colours to understand more about the usage of different shades
Sport: Started playing polo two years ago. Helps him relax, plus he enjoys the speed and focus
Cars: Loves exotic cars and currently drives a Bentley Bentayga
Holiday: Favourite travel destinations are London and St Tropez
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
If you go:
The flights: Etihad, Emirates, British Airways and Virgin all fly from the UAE to London from Dh2,700 return, including taxes
The tours: The Tour for Muggles usually runs several times a day, lasts about two-and-a-half hours and costs £14 (Dh67)
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on now at the Palace Theatre. Tickets need booking significantly in advance
Entrance to the Harry Potter exhibition at the House of MinaLima is free
The hotel: The grand, 1909-built Strand Palace Hotel is in a handy location near the Theatre District and several of the key Harry Potter filming and inspiration sites. The family rooms are spacious, with sofa beds that can accommodate children, and wooden shutters that keep out the light at night. Rooms cost from £170 (Dh808).
