SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has made history with its groundbreaking achievements, including the world's first commercial spacewalk and the highest altitude reached by humans in over 50 years. The mission concluded with a successful splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico after five days in orbit, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration.
The Polaris Dawn crew, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, reached an astonishing altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometers), surpassing the previous record set by NASA's Gemini 11 mission in 1966. The mission also featured two private spacewalks, showcasing the capabilities of commercial astronauts and the advancements in space technology.
As the crew returned safely, they conducted nearly 40 scientific experiments, including studies on space adaptation syndrome and the effects of space radiation. This mission is a precursor to future long-distance missions, including potential trips to the Moon and Mars, as SpaceX continues to pioneer private space exploration.
