Toni Dimaano Science 10.19.2022 00:Oct AM EDT

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission Has Been Pushed Back to At Least March 2023

The Polaris Program postpones the launch of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn to March 2023 in preparation for the private expedition.

The mission funded by billionaire Jared Isaacman will begin no earlier than next year according to the organization planning the flight, Space says.

The Polaris Dawn Is Set To For A Commercial Spacewalk

The Polaris Dawn crew will take off from the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in early 2023, on the historic Launch Complex 39A pad.

This was also the launching pad for Inspiration4; the first private crew sent on a mission to Earth's orbit in September 2021.

This four-person expedition was also funded and commanded by Isaacman, which is why Polaris Dawn will also ride a SpaceX Dragon capsule in Earth's orbit.

CNet reports that Polaris Dawn will benefit from Falcon 9 and Dragon's efficiency, flying larger than any Dragon mission has ever flown.

According to the Polaris Program's official website release, the Dragon and the Polaris Sawn space crew will be spending a maximum of five days in orbit to complete their mission.

This program will deploy three missions into orbit if all goes to plan, with the possibility of boosting the services of NASA's Hubble Space Telescope.

Polaris Program representatives wrote that this mission would conduct an analysis of the parts of the Van Allen radiation belt to understand radiation's effect better, among other objectives.

The Four-Person Mission Has A Couple Of Goals Lined Up

The SpaceX Polaris Dawn private exploration will be led by four people in the Polaris Dawn crew who will combine their expertise and knowledge for the spaceflight's success.

Aside from mission commander Isaacman who is an accomplished pilot and astronaut, retired United States Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott Poteet will play the role of mission pilot.

Furthermore, two ladies named Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon will join the crew as its mission specialists, with Menon serving as Polaris Dawn's medical officer as well, Polaris Program says.

With them, the upcoming flight aims to enter orbit and fly to a higher altitude that will surpass the record set by the Gemini 11 mission in 1966, according to Universe Magazine.

The Polaris Dawn crew also needs to conduct scientific research by performing 35 scientific experiments to study the increased effects of radiation on astronauts.

Additionally, the flight is looking to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk at an altitude of 500 to 700 kilometers above the Earth.

According to Universe Magazine, this execution will be important in scaling new designs for spacesuits that will be used on future long-duration missions.

The mission also aims to conduct research that will improve human health on Earth since it lists raising money for causes and institutions like St. Jude's Children's Hospital a priority.

The Inspiration4, who are advocates for cancer awareness among children, has so far raised $250 million dollars dedicated to cancer funds and research while in orbit, Space reveals.

The Polaris Dawn crew will be the first ones to test the Starlink laser-based communications in space as well, which is valuable for future communications needed for missions beyond.