SpaceX to launch Polaris Dawn mission on July 31, conduct 1st private spacewalk

SpaceX is gearing up for one of its biggest missions as it plans to launch private astronauts to space on a mission that aims to deepen human space exploration.

The company led by Elon Musk has set its sights on July 31, 2024, as the earliest possible launch date for the groundbreaking Polaris Dawn mission, marking a significant milestone in private space exploration.

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The mission, part of the ambitious Polaris Program, aims to push the boundaries of human spaceflight capabilities and pave the way for future lunar and Martian expeditions.

Polaris Dawn mission

Launching from Kennedy Space Center’s Launch Complex 39A in Florida, the Polaris Dawn mission will use SpaceX’s reliable Falcon 9 rocket to propel the Dragon spacecraft into orbit.

The four-person civilian crew, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman as Mission Commander, will embark on a journey lasting up to five days, during which they will attempt to reach the highest Earth orbit ever achieved.

One of the mission’s most notable objectives is to conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The crew will don SpaceX-designed extravehicular activity (EVA) spacesuits, specially upgraded for this purpose.

This historic endeavor will not only test new spacesuit technology but also contribute valuable data for future long-duration missions.

In addition to the spacewalk, the Polaris Dawn crew will engage in various scientific research activities aimed at advancing human health both on Earth and in space. They will also pioneer the testing of Starlink laser-based communications in orbit, potentially revolutionizing space-based communication systems.

The mission represents the first of three planned flights in the Polaris Program, with each successive mission building upon the achievements of the last. The program’s ultimate goal is to culminate in the first crewed flight of SpaceX’s Starship, further expanding human presence in space.