SpaceX gears up for Polaris Dawn launch, aims to break Apollo record

New Delhi,UPDATED: Sep 5, 2024 11:27 IST

After several postponement, SpaceX is gearing up to launch the Polaris Dawn mission, scheduled for Friday, September 6, 2024.

The mission, which has faced multiple delays, is now set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Complex 39A during a four-hour window opening at 3:33 a.m. EDT.

Polaris Dawn marks the first of three planned flights under the ambitious Polaris program, aimed at advancing scientific research and technology in space. The mission will send four private astronauts on a pioneering journey that promises to push the boundaries of civilian space exploration.

The crew, led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, includes mission pilot Scott Poteet, and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. This will be the first spaceflight for all crew members except Isaacman, who previously commanded the Inspiration4 mission.

During their five-day orbital mission, the Polaris Dawn crew will attempt to reach the highest Earth orbit ever flown since the Apollo program. They will also conduct the first-ever spacewalk by commercial astronauts, testing SpaceX's newly developed extravehicular activity (EVA) suits.

The mission's objectives extend beyond altitude records and spacewalks. The crew will perform 36 scientific experiments focused on advancing human health research both on Earth and during long-duration spaceflight. Additionally, they will test Starlink's laser-based communication system in space.

Polaris Dawn faces unique challenges, including exposure to high levels of radiation and potential risks from space debris due to its unprecedented orbital altitude. These factors underscore the mission's significance in paving the way for future deep space exploration.

As SpaceX prepares for this groundbreaking mission, the space community watches with anticipation.

Polaris Dawn represents a major leap forward in private space exploration, potentially setting new standards for future commercial space missions and contributing valuable data to the field of space science.