Watch: SpaceX conducts first private spacewalk with billionaire on Polaris Dawn mission
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Watch live as a billionaire floated in space in the first-ever privately-funded spacewalk as part of the SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission on Thursday, 12 September.
Jared Isaacman joined SpaceX employee Sarah Gillis to step out of the Crew Dragon spacecraft.
Today's attempt was the Elon Musk-led company's latest and riskiest bid to push the boundaries of commercial spaceflight.
The capsule was completely depressurized, and the whole crew will rely on their slim, SpaceX-developed spacesuits for oxygen.
A backup opportunity is available on Friday at the same time.
The main aim of the endeavour is to test SpaceX’s new extravehicular activity (EVA) astronaut suits, which have been designed to eventually take astronauts to the Moon, Mars and beyond.
Fellow Polaris Dawn crew members Anna Menon and Kidd Poteet remained in the capsule, with 36 research studies and experiments planned for the five-day mission.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments