SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn Mission: The First Private Spacewalk

SpaceX’s upcoming Polaris Dawn mission is set to make history as the first private spacewalk. Scheduled for launch on August 26, 2024, at 3:38 a.m. EDT (0738 GMT), this five-day expedition will be led by American billionaire Jared Isaacman, who previously chartered the Inspiration4 mission in 2021. The mission will utilize a Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule, Resilience, for its third flight.

Crew Details

Jared Isaacman: Mission Commander and the financier behind the Polaris Program.

Scott “Kidd” Poteet: Pilot, a retired US Air Force Lt. Col.

Sarah Gillis: Mission Specialist and SpaceX’s lead space operations engineer for astronaut training.

Anna Menon: Mission Specialist, SpaceX’s lead operations engineer for crew operations development, and medical officer.

Mission Objectives

The Polaris Dawn mission aims to conduct the world’s first private spacewalk and test new spacesuits developed by SpaceX. The crew will perform a planned 2-hour spacewalk during their five-day stay in orbit.

Pre-Launch Preparations

On August 19, 2024, the mission crew arrived at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for final preparations. They have undergone two years of rigorous training to prepare for this groundbreaking mission.

Special In-Flight Snacks

In a unique twist, the mission will feature Zero Gravity Cool Ranch Doritos. These specially designed snacks, which include an oil-based coating to prevent the powdered topping from floating away, highlight the innovative spirit of the mission. According to Chris Bellinger, chief creative officer of PepsiCo Foods North America, “This mission is a testament to our commitment to delivering bold experiences and flavors, even in the most unexpected places.”