First Private Spacewalk: SpaceX Astronauts Make History

Two non-government astronauts have made history by completing the world's first private spacewalk. SpaceX’s Jared Isaacman and Sarah Gillis tested new equipment, including slim spacesuits, in a mission pushing commercial spaceflight boundaries. The historic maneuver signifies a leap forward for the private space industry and future missions.

Two astronauts from a SpaceX capsule made history on Thursday by carrying out the first private spacewalk while tethered to the Crew Dragon spacecraft in Earth's orbit. Jared Isaacman, a 41-year-old billionaire, and Sarah Gillis, a 30-year-old SpaceX engineer, stepped outside into the vacuum of space. Their maneuvers, streamed live, signify a new era for commercial space exploration.

The mission tested innovative equipment, such as newly designed spacesuits, and a full depressurization process for the Crew Dragon cabin, marking one of SpaceX's riskiest undertakings. Isaacman described Earth as a 'perfect world' seen from space. The 30-minute spacewalk, preceded by nearly two hours of preparation, aimed to push the technological boundaries.

This spacewalk was part of the Polaris Dawn mission, led and funded by Isaacman, who previously spearheaded the Inspiration4 flight. The initiative underscores SpaceX's capability in launching and returning humans safely to and from orbit. The feat was celebrated by NASA, marking a significant step towards a commercial space economy.

(With inputs from agencies.)