SpaceX Launches Historic Polaris Dawn Mission for First Private Spacewalk

The all-civilian crew aims to achieve new milestones in space exploration, including reaching the highest altitude since the Apollo era.

The mission, funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman, launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Polaris Dawn's crew will conduct over 40 scientific experiments and test a new laser-based satellite communication system.
The crew will travel through the Van Allen radiation belts to study the effects of space radiation on the human body.
A significant objective is a planned spacewalk by Isaacman and SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, marking the first by private citizens.
The mission will last five days, culminating in a splashdown off the coast of Florida.