SpaceX Delays Polaris Dawn Mission Launch

SpaceX has delayed the launch of its Polaris Dawn mission by at least 24 hours due to a helium leak in ground equipment at Kennedy Space Center. Initially set for Tuesday, the launch is now targeted for 3:38 a.m. ET on Wednesday, with the mission aiming to conduct the first-ever commercial spacewalk 434 miles above Earth. The all-civilian crew, led by billionaire Jared Isaacman, includes retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Scott Poteet, and SpaceX engineers Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. The mission is notable for its planned use of new spacesuits developed by SpaceX and is part of a broader program to explore and test technology for future space travel. Despite the delay, SpaceX assured that the Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon spacecraft remain in good condition, with the crew prepared for their multi-day journey. This mission is part of a series of planned expeditions under the Polaris program, aiming to advance human capabilities in space exploration.