SpaceX Sets Date for Polaris Dawn Mission

SpaceX is targeting an Aug. 26 launch for its Polaris Dawn mission, which will mark the first-ever private spacewalk. The mission represents a major advancement in private space exploration and aims to push the boundaries of what’s possible in low-Earth orbit. The Polaris Dawn flight will carry four astronauts aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule launching from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on a Falcon 9 rocket. The mission crew includes Jared Isaacman, who will command the mission; Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel who will serve as pilot; and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both engineers at SpaceX.

Polaris Dawn Program Details

Unlike previous spaceflights that dock with the International Space Station (ISS), Polaris Dawn will undertake a free-flying mission, orbiting Earth at an altitude of about 435 miles (700 kilometers). This altitude will take the crew farther from Earth than any mission since the Apollo era. The main highlight of this mission will be private spacewalks, a first for a commercial flight.

Polaris Dawn is the first mission in the Polaris program, which includes two more planned flights, all using SpaceX technology. Isaacman, who also led the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021, funds and oversees the Polaris program.

Polaris Dawn History

Originally scheduled for 2022, the launch of Polaris Dawn has been delayed due to the complexity and ambitious goals of the mission. SpaceX currently operates Crew-8, which has sent astronauts to the ISS for a six-month mission. Crew-8 will soon be succeeded by the Crew-9 mission, scheduled for launch on September 24.

The upcoming Polaris Dawn mission not only aims to make history with its private spacewalk, but also marks a major step forward in commercial space travel and exploration. Stay tuned to this space for more updates on science, space, and more!