The Polaris Dawn mission is a private human spaceflight funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman and Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The crew, led by Isaacman, includes four non-government astronauts who will test SpaceX technology, conduct scientific experiments, and attempt the first private spacewalk while orbiting Earth. The mission aims to raise funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and inspire future deep-space exploration. Polaris Dawn is named after the North Star constellation, symbolizing guidance throughout history. The launch is scheduled for August 26 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, with live coverage provided on NASA and news websites. Isaacman, a high school dropout turned billionaire, previously led the Inspiration4 mission, the first all-civilian spaceflight. The rest of the Polaris Dawn crew includes pilot Scott Poteet, mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. The crew will test new spacesuits and a laser communication system while on the mission, with the hope of accelerating SpaceX’s vision for multiplanetary life. The crew will return to Earth after five days in space, aiming to inspire humankind to look beyond Earth and towards future space exploration.
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