Polaris Dawn mission: Two women astronauts surpass Gemini 11’s 1966 record with 1,400-kilometre flight | – Times of India

A historic achievement has been marked by the SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis by flying farther than any women before. Being a part of the Polaris Dawn mission launched on September 10 2024, the two women astronauts Anna and Sarah have reached an altitude of 1400 kilometres above the Earth’s surface surpassing the previous record set during NASA’s Gemini 11 mission in 1966.
The Polaris Dawn mission, led by billionaire and space enthusiast Jared Isaacman, marks a significant advancement in private space exploration. This crewed mission not only pushes the boundaries of space travel but also underscores the pivotal role women are playing in this field. Menon and Gillis, both mission specialists, are central to the mission’s success. Gillis is responsible for crew training for private spaceflight, while Menon serves as the onboard medical officer.

Milestone for women in space exploration

In addition to breaking altitude records, Anna Menon achieved another historic feat by performing the world’s first private spacewalk alongside mission commander Isaacman on September 12. This spacewalk is a significant highlight of the Polaris Dawn mission’s ambitious objectives.

Mission objectives beyond record setting

The Polaris Dawn mission is not only about setting records but also involves testing innovative technologies and conducting scientific research. The team aims to test Starlink’s advanced laser-based communication systems in space, potentially revolutionising data transmission over long distances. Additionally, they are conducting various scientific experiments, including studying the effects of space radiation on the human body.

The crew’s journey through the Van Allen radiation belt—a region of high-energy particles—provides valuable data on how space radiation impacts spacecraft systems and human physiology. This research is crucial for advancing our understanding of space health and developing strategies to protect future astronauts.

Pioneering women in space: Menon and Gillis inspire future generations and advance space exploration

The achievements of Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis not only highlight their personal accomplishments but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of women in science and space exploration. Their historic flight underscores the increasing role of women in pushing the boundaries of space exploration and serves as a beacon of possibility for aspiring scientists and astronauts.
As the Polaris Dawn mission progresses, the contributions of Menon and Gillis are expected to yield important insights into space travel and technology, furthering our understanding of the universe and advancing human space exploration.
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