Polaris Dawn mission: SpaceX launches four private astronauts into space | World News
 "SpaceX")
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifts off with Polaris Dawn, a private human spaceflight mission with two crew members expected to attempt the first-ever private spacewalk, at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S. September 10, 2024. REU
Four private astronauts blasted into space early on Tuesday in a modified SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, kicking off the company’s five-day Polaris Dawn mission, which aims to test new spacesuit designs and conduct the first private spacewalk.
Who is on board?
The crew consists of billionaire Jared Isaacman, Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, and two SpaceX employees, Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis.
How high will Polaris Dawn travel?
The launch put the spacecraft and crew on an elliptical orbit that comes within 118 miles of the Earth’s surface and then swings out to an altitude of 745 miles.
What will happen during spacewalk?
Only two people —Isaacman and Gillis — are to leave the capsule to do the walk. Poteet and Menon will remain in the
capsule to manage the umbilical cords.
How is this different from Isaacman’s first space trip?
Isaacman’s first trip to orbit Inspiration4 was the without a professional astronaut aboard whereas the current mission has
four private astronauts.
©2024 The New York Times News Service
First Published: Sep 10 2024 | 11:14 PM IST
