Economist Podcasts Come on out, the vacuum’s fine: SpaceX
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Sep 13, 2024 
Join Oliver Morton, Planetary Affairs Editor at The Economist, as he discusses SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission and the historic first spacewalk by private citizens. Adam Roberts, Digital Editor, shares exciting updates about the Espresso app. Meanwhile, health editor Natasha Loda delves into the challenges of making innovative gene editing therapies more accessible and affordable. The conversation also humorously touches on the integration of corporate sponsorships in space travel, including snack production for zero-gravity environments.
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SpaceX's First Private Spacewalk
- SpaceX conducted its first private spacewalk, reaching an orbit further from Earth than any low-Earth orbit in over 60 years.
- The Polaris Dawn mission crew tested new spacesuits designed by a mission control operator who also participated in the spacewalk.
Ideological Significance of Private Spaceflight
- This private space mission is seen as ideologically significant, demonstrating that private citizens can achieve what was previously limited to government entities.
- The fact that private individuals are engaging in space exploration resonates with the ideology of spaceflight as a human frontier.
Isaacman's Private Space Missions
- Billionaire Jared Isaacman, passionate about spaceflight, contracted SpaceX for three missions.
- The first mission involves a high, polar orbit with different radiation exposure, while the third will use SpaceX's Starship.