SpaceX has delayed the launch of a capsule carrying four private citizens, including billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, due to a helium leak. The mission, known as Polaris Dawn, was scheduled to include the first spacewalk by a civilian crew. The delay was announced on Tuesday, with no launch earlier than Wednesday. The Crew Dragon capsule is expected to reach a higher orbit than the International Space Station, passing through the Van Allen radiation belt to study its effects on astronauts and the vehicle. This mission is the first of three planned spaceflights funded by Isaacman, aimed at advancing space exploration to the moon and Mars. The mission showcases SpaceX’s ability to ferry private citizens into space, building on their successful missions with NASA astronauts since 2020.
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