Polaris Dawn mission

The Polaris Dawn mission, launched on September 10, 2024, marks a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight, making Jared Isaacman the first non-professional astronaut to perform a spacewalk. During the five-day mission, the crew reached an altitude of 1,408 kilometers, the highest ever for a Dragon mission, surpassing previous records. The mission also included groundbreaking experiments, including health research and testing a new, more mobile spacesuit, which could be pivotal for future lunar expeditions. The crew, which included SpaceX engineers and former military personnel, completed a historic spacewalk and shared stunning footage and images from their journey. While some critics liken the mission to a billionaire's joyride, Isaacman emphasizes its goal to advance human space exploration toward becoming a multiplanetary species. The crew's successful return to Earth on September 15, 2024, solidified their achievements in pushing the boundaries of human space travel.