logo
welcome
CNN

CNN

Why SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn spacewalk was so historic

CNN
Summary
Nutrition label

80% Informative

SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn crew is beginning its fifth day in orbit.

It is the first time a private mission to space attempted a commercial spacewalk.

The crew also became the first group to venture into the lower band of the Van Allen radiation belts in five decades .

The mission had already set itself apart from other trips to orbit funded by the private sector.

The Polaris Dawn crew is set to return to Earth this weekend .

The Crew Dragon capsule is expected to splash down off the coast of Florida .

The return could fall in the early hours of Sunday or Monday morning , mission commander Isaacman says.

Splashdown can occur at any of seven potential locations off the East and West coasts of Florida ..