Polaris Dawn: A New Era in Commercial Space Exploration

The civilian crew of SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission returned to Earth after a historic five-day orbit, reaching altitudes higher than any since NASA’s moon missions, The Guardian reported yesterday.

The Dragon capsule splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, carrying billionaire Jared Isaacman and three others, including SpaceX engineers.

They conducted the first private spacewalk at nearly 460 miles above Earth, with Isaacman and SpaceX’s Sarah Gillis becoming the 264th and 265th individuals to perform a spacewalk.

The mission, hailed as a landmark in commercial space exploration, showcased the potential for private companies to conduct human space operations independently of government agencies.