SpaceX is preparing to make history with the upcoming launch of Polaris Dawn, the first commercial spaceflight mission featuring an all-civilian spacewalk. Scheduled for no earlier than July 31, this mission represents a significant milestone in private space exploration.
Funded by U.S. billionaire Jared Isaacman, who previously commanded the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021, Polaris Dawn marks the second all-civilian journey into orbit. The mission aims to reach an orbit approximately 700 kilometers above Earth—the highest altitude achieved by a crewed flight since the Apollo moon missions.
Joining Isaacman are three crew members who will spend around five days orbiting Earth aboard SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule. During their mission, they plan to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk, perform research on human health in space, and test the use of Starlink satellites for communication by equipping the spacecraft with Starlink WiFi.
The Polaris Dawn mission not only advances commercial spaceflight but also opens new avenues for scientific research and international collaboration. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible for civilian astronauts, this endeavor is set to inspire future generations and contribute to our understanding of space travel.
