Tonight marks a significant milestone in space exploration with the launch of the historic Polaris Dawn mission by SpaceX. This mission will feature the first-ever commercial spacewalk and is set to take off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. A crew of four private astronauts, including three who are venturing into space for the first time, will embark on a journey to the highest altitude achieved by a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft and will conduct various experiments focused on human health in the extraterrestrial environment.
After facing multiple delays due to factors such as adverse weather conditions and the FAA temporarily grounding the Falcon 9 rocket following a booster landing failure, the mission is finally cleared for takeoff. Launch is planned for 3:38 a.m. ET on September 10, with additional opportunities available at 5:23 a.m. ET and 7:09 a.m. ET, as well as more options on Wednesday if needed.
As SpaceX outlines, “Throughout their multi-day journey into orbit, the Dragon spacecraft and astronauts will strive to attain the highest Earth orbit flown since Apollo and will execute the inaugural extravehicular activity (EVA) conducted by commercial astronauts dressed in SpaceX-designed EVA suits.” The team is also set to carry out 36 research studies from 31 partner organizations intended to enhance our understanding of human health both on Earth and during extended space missions, including testing Starlink’s laser-based communications in space.
This mission is particularly notable as it will take the Crew Dragon to the farthest point from Earth it has ever reached. Polaris Dawn is designed to last five days, during which the astronauts will remain in orbit, never docking with the International Space Station (ISS). Instead, they will orbit at altitudes of up to 870 miles, which is three times higher than the ISS, allowing them to investigate radiation levels encountered at these heights. The planned spacewalk will take place at 435 miles above Earth, with the crew equipped with radiation monitoring devices and testing a new SpaceX spacesuit.
How to Watch the Polaris Dawn Launch
SpaceX will be providing live coverage of the launch, starting just after midnight ET (9 p.m. PT) ahead of the scheduled 3:38 a.m. ET (12:38 a.m. PT) launch time.
Viewers can catch the event on SpaceX’s official website or follow updates on SpaceX’s Twitter account during the mission.