The highly anticipated launch of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission is just one week away, marking a significant milestone in the era of private space exploration. Led by American billionaire Jared Isaacman, who previously supported the Inspiration4 spaceflight, this mission aims to achieve a groundbreaking feat – the world's first private spacewalk.

Polaris Dawn has been two years in the making, as the crew members diligently underwent rigorous training to prepare for their historic journey. Joining Isaacman on this extraordinary mission are pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet, and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both distinguished Lead Space Operations Engineers at SpaceX.

On August 19th, the crew arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida to complete final preparations before lift-off. The excitement is palpable as liftoff is scheduled for August 26th at 3:38 a.m. EDT (0738 GMT), when the Crew Dragon Resilience capsule will propel them into space.

The primary objective of the Polaris Dawn mission, announced in 2022, is to conduct a series of tests on the new spacesuits developed by SpaceX. The crew will undertake a planned 2-hour spacewalk during the five-day mission, which will serve as a critical evaluation of the durability and functionality of these innovative spacesuits.

In an intriguing twist, the Polaris Dawn mission will also be accompanied by a unique addition to the astronaut's rations. Doritos, the popular snack brand, has partnered with SpaceX to send a limited-edition flavor of their iconic chips into space. These Zero Gravity Cool Ranch Doritos chips feature an oil-based coating to prevent the powdered topping from dispersing in the weightless environment of space.

Chris Bellinger, the chief creative officer of PepsiCo Foods North America, which owns Doritos, expressed excitement about this cosmic collaboration. He stated, "The limitless possibilities of space inspired us to push the boundaries of what's possible. This mission is a testament to our commitment to delivering bold experiences and flavors, even in the most unexpected places."

The inclusion of these specially curated space snacks adds a touch of terrestrial comfort to the remarkable journey of the Polaris Dawn mission. The chips will be flown aboard the Crew Dragon Resilience alongside the crew and will serve as a small reminder of the familiar tastes from home as they venture into the vastness of space.

As the launch date approaches, the crew of the Polaris Dawn mission stands ready to etch their names in the annals of private space exploration. Their daring spacewalk and partnership with Doritos highlight the ever-expanding boundaries of human achievement and the spirit of innovation that drives us to explore the unknown.

For more details on the new space Doritos and further coverage of the Polaris Dawn mission, refer to the comprehensive article by Robert Pearlman of collectSPACE.com.