SpaceX Sets Historic Date for Polaris Dawn Mission Featuring First Private Spacewalk

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ICARO Media Group
Politics
23/08/2024 22h59

SpaceX has announced that the highly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission is scheduled for launch on Tuesday, August 27. The mission aims to propel a Crew Dragon spacecraft to its highest orbit and commemorate the first-ever private spacewalk. Viewers around the world can witness this groundbreaking event through live streaming.

The Polaris Dawn mission will transport four individuals to Earth orbit aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, with liftoff set to take place from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The launch window opens at 3:38 a.m. ET (07:38 GMT), following a one-day delay to conduct additional checkouts. Originally planned for Monday, August 26, SpaceX has rescheduled the launch to ensure optimal readiness.

Both the launch itself and the momentous spacewalk, which is scheduled for Flight Day 3 of the mission around August 29, will be broadcasted live on Polaris Dawn's and SpaceX's feed on X. Those eager to witness history unfold can tune in to the launch webcast, which will commence approximately one hour before liftoff. Cameras will capture various perspectives, from ground-level shots to exterior recordings of the rocket, as well as footage from inside the Crew Dragon capsule. Space enthusiasts can also join the live webcast hosted on Space.com.

The Polaris Dawn crew comprises an impressive team, led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who provided the financial backing and will command the mission. Accompanying Isaacman is pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel, and two mission specialists, Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon, both SpaceX engineers. Together, they will embark on a remarkable five-day journey.

During the course of this mission, the Crew Dragon spacecraft aims to reach its highest-ever orbit, soaring approximately 435 miles (700 kilometers) above the Earth's surface. This altitude is about 185 miles (300 km) beyond the International Space Station, where Crew Dragons typically dock on NASA astronaut missions.

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission not only marks significant advancements in private space exploration but also paves the way for future collaborations between government agencies and commercial entities. The mission demonstrates SpaceX's commitment to pushing the boundaries of space travel and opening new opportunities for scientific exploration beyond the confines of our planet.

As the world awaits the groundbreaking launch on Tuesday, space enthusiasts can witness this momentous event from the comfort of their own homes, joining the global community in celebrating an unprecedented milestone in the realm of space exploration.

The views expressed in this article do not reflect the opinion of ICARO, or any of its affiliates.

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