SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission Delayed by Helium Leak

The launch of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has been delayed due to a helium leak in ground equipment. The mission includes the first private spacewalk 434 miles from Earth. The new launch is scheduled for Wednesday. Only two of the four crew members will conduct the spacewalk.

SpaceX's highly-anticipated Polaris Dawn mission has hit a snag, as a helium leak in ground equipment forced the company to delay the launch by at least a day. The announcement came mere hours before the Crew Dragon capsule was set to lift off from Kennedy Space Center.

A significant milestone of the five-day mission is planned two days post-launch, featuring the first-ever private spacewalk taking place 434 miles from Earth. The company is now targeting a Wednesday liftoff at 3:38 a.m. (0738 GMT), pending resolution of the issue.

According to a post on X, teams are closely examining the ground-side helium leak. While the Falcon 9 booster and Dragon capsule remain in good condition, the crew, including billionaire Jared Isaacman, is prepared for their multi-day low-Earth orbit mission. Isaacman has funded the mission, estimated to cost over $100 million, and will be one of only two crew members conducting the spacewalk.

(With inputs from agencies.)