SpaceX Launches Historic Polaris Dawn Mission

SpaceX has launched the Polaris Dawn mission, marking a historic milestone with the first all-civilian spacewalk. The mission, funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, includes two SpaceX engineers and a former Air Force pilot, and aims to reach 870 miles above Earth's surface, the highest altitude since the Apollo missions. The five-day mission will involve testing new spacesuits and technologies critical for future Mars missions, including exposure to intense space radiation. Initial launch attempts were delayed due to technical issues and regulatory setbacks. The spacewalk will require the entire Crew Dragon capsule to be depressurized, making it one of the riskiest private space missions yet.