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Source- This post on Polaris Dawn Mission has been created based on the article “SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission delayed for second time due to inclement weather” published in “Indian Express” on 28th August 2024.
Why in News?
Recently, SpaceX postponed the launch of its Polaris Dawn mission for the second time this week due to unfavourable weather conditions off the coast of Florida, where the crew capsule is set to splash down after the mission.
About Polaris Dawn Mission
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. Polaris Dawn will be the first non-government effort to perform a spacewalk approximately 700 kilometres (435 miles) above Earth. 2. The mission will involve orbiting through the Van Allen Belts. 3. The data from this mission will support NASA’s future plans, especially the 2025 mission to send astronauts beyond the Van Allen Belts to the Moon’s South Pole, and eventually to Mars. |
| Duration | 1. The mission was scheduled to launch on August 26, 2024. 2. The mission is planned to last five days in orbit, followed by a splashdown in the ocean on the sixth day. |
| Objective | 1. To test new SpaceX-designed spacesuits for their effectiveness in protecting astronauts from Van Allen Belt radiation. 2. To test laser communications provided by SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network potentially enhancing future communication capabilities for space missions. |
| Mission Equipment | SpaceX is providing the necessary equipment for the mission, including a Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule. |
| Research Focus | 1. The Polaris Dawn mission will focus on researching the effects of space radiation on human biology. 2. This includes studying its impact on eyesight and brain structure and addressing risks such as Spaceflight Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS). 3. The mission will also investigate decompression sickness (DCS) which is a condition caused by nitrogen gas bubbles damaging human tissue. |
About Van Allen Belts
1. The Van Allen Belts are two regions of intense radiation surrounding Earth. It was discovered in 1958 by Dr. James Van Allen.
2. It was composed mainly of charged particles like electrons and protons trapped by Earth’s magnetic field.
3. These belts are located in the magnetosphere and protect Earth from harmful solar wind and cosmic rays.
4. Structure and Composition:
i) Inner Belt: It is located 1,000 to 5,000 km above Earth and composed primarily of high-energy protons.
ii) Outer Belt: It is located 13,000 to 60,000 km above Earth. It contains mostly high-energy electrons and influenced by solar activity.
5. Significance: The belts affect space weather, impacting satellites and GPS systems. They provide a protective shield against cosmic rays but pose a radiation risk to astronauts and spacecraft and thus require careful planning for missions.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology
