Jared Isaacman, a Jewish billionaire and philanthropist, is set to make history as he prepares to lead the Polaris Dawn space mission. Departing from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Isaacman will be joined by a crew of four aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for a five-day journey. The mission aims to push the boundaries of space tourism by venturing further from Earth than any previous mission of its kind. Isaacman, 41, will also make history as the first private citizen to attempt a spacewalk, marking a significant milestone in civilian space exploration.
Isaacman is no stranger to space adventures. In 2021, he self-funded a three-day space trip estimated to have cost up to $200 million. This latest venture is likely to be even more costly, although specific figures have not been disclosed. The mission is not just for pleasure—Isaacman’s crew includes former Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, who will assist with scientific research, including radiation exposure studies that could prove valuable for future moon and Mars missions.
Intriguingly, this mission comes at a time when space tourism is gaining momentum. Isaacman and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk have reportedly split the costs of the mission, which includes the creation of specially designed Extravehicular Activity spacesuits for the spacewalk. These suits are custom-fitted to each astronaut and feature advanced technology, such as a heads-up display in the helmet and built-in cameras. While some skeptics criticize billionaire-funded space ventures, the mission stands out for its scientific contributions and potential to advance human space exploration.
Isaacman, who made his fortune through his payroll processing company Shift 4, is also known for his adventurous spirit. In 2009, he set a record by circumnavigating the Earth in a light jet, and his passion for flight extends to his privately owned Russian MIG-29 jet. Despite criticism of billionaire space tourism, figures like Isaacman and Musk continue to push the limits of what is possible, moving at a pace that often leaves even NASA in awe.