Jared Isaacman, an alumnus of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the commander of a civilian astronaut team for the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, has made history as the first astronaut to perform a commercial spacewalk.
Isaacman, who graduated from Embry-Riddle in 2011 with a degree in Aeronautics, emerged from SpaceX’s Dragon capsule in a high-tech spacesuit, stating, “Back at home, we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world.”
The Dragon capsule is equipped with the LLAMAS multi-camera system, which was developed by Embry-Riddle students under Dr. Troy Henderson’s guidance, who is the director of the Space Technologies Lab and an associate professor of Aerospace Engineering. This camera system, created in partnership with Isaacman, Embry-Riddle, and the SpaceX team, is designed to capture video of crew operations during the mission. The footage collected will later be used to develop virtual reality experiences.
Furthermore, Dr. Amber Paul, an assistant professor in the Department of Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology at Embry-Riddle, alongside her Omics Lab for Health and Human Performance, will analyze biospecimens gathered from the crew to understand the impact of such missions on human health.
Congratulations are in order for Jared Isaacman and his crew for their successful spacewalk, with best wishes for their continued journey. More information is available regarding Embry-Riddle’s role in this significant mission.