CAPE CANAVERAL, FL — The Polaris Dawn mission successfully launched early Tuesday morning, setting the stage for what could become the first spacewalk conducted by private citizens.
The mission, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman in partnership with SpaceX, lifted off from Kennedy Space Center at 5:23 a.m. ET after enduring weeks of delays due to weather and technical issues.
Isaacman, who serves as CEO of payment-processing company Shift4, is leading a four-person civilian crew aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. The team includes former Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis. The mission aims to reach an ultrahigh orbit of 870 miles above Earth—higher than any human spaceflight since NASA’s Apollo program more than 50 years ago.
Polaris Dawn Launches, Paving the Way for First Private Spacewalk in History
The primary objective of the five-day mission is a historic first: a commercial spacewalk. During this spacewalk, two crew members will exit SpaceX’s Dragon capsule at an altitude of 435 miles, fully exposed to the vacuum of space. This will test new extravehicular activity (EVA) suits designed by SpaceX, which feature a heads-up display, helmet camera, and improved joint mobility, along with enhanced thermal insulation and solar protection.
The spacewalk is one of several significant milestones planned for Polaris Dawn. The crew will also conduct research and technology tests in orbit, further pushing the boundaries of private space exploration.
The launch follows numerous delays, starting from the originally scheduled launch on August 26, which was postponed due to unfavorable weather and a helium leak in the ground-side Quick Disconnect umbilical system.
This is Isaacman’s second mission to space. In 2021, he funded and commanded the Inspiration4 mission, which became the first all-civilian mission to orbit Earth. That mission raised $250 million for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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