The concept of spacewalks, known formally as extravehicular activities (EVAs), is a fascinating chapter in the story of human exploration. These moments represent the pinnacle of human bravery, where astronauts step out of their spacecraft and into the vast, unprotected vacuum of space, with only a few layers of fabric between them and the endless cosmos.

Spacewalks are challenging, and not without risk. Take the upcoming Polaris Dawn mission, for instance, where the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule will perform its first private spacewalk. Unlike other modern spacecraft, Crew Dragon doesn’t have an airlock, meaning the entire capsule must be depressurized before the astronauts exit. This increases the danger for everyone onboard, especially with the new spacesuit designs being tested during this mission.

If successful, this spacewalk will add to a legacy of awe-inspiring and dramatic moments that have unfolded over the past six decades. Since Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov became the first person to “walk” in space in 1965, spacewalks have been critical in advancing our understanding of space and pushing the boundaries of human exploration.

Throughout history, spacewalks have been filled with tension and heroism. There have been incidents where astronauts were trapped in airlocks, equipment failures left them perilously exposed, and even moments where astronauts nearly drowned inside their own spacesuits due to technical malfunctions.

These incidents remind us that spacewalking is not only an incredible achievement but also an endeavor fraught with danger. Yet, they continue to be essential, allowing astronauts to repair, maintain, and build the technologies that make space exploration possible.

As the world anticipates the next chapter in this remarkable history, the enduring legacy of spacewalks remains a testament to human ingenuity and courage in the face of the unknown.