The Inspiration4 crew members have been undergoing extensive training since March, "modeled after the curriculum NASA astronauts use to prepare for SpaceX missions", according to Reuters.Īs well as preparing physically by hiking up a snowy Mount Rainier in Washington, the crew completed centrifuge training, altitude chamber training, have sampled brief bursts of weightlessness aboard modified aircraft, and have taken rapid spins in fighter jets. It will also land in the Atlantic Ocean near the Florida coast, like its predecessors. While NASA isn't involved at all in SpaceX's first private flight, the mission will set off from a launch pad used by NASA crews. Mr Isaacman has already pledged $US100 million to St Jude, and is hoping to fundraise another $US100 million. Separately, the flight is also serving as a fundraiser for St Jude Children's Research Hospital in Tennessee.Īlongside monetary contributions, some companies have made donations that will be auctioned off upon Inspiration4's return - think things like sending 32 kilograms of hops to space, which will be sold as space beer back on Earth.
The exact cost of the flight has not been disclosed, but a seat on the Crew Dragon spacecraft reportedly cost about $75 million.
"Because it's so expensive, space has been the exclusive domain of world superpowers and the elite that they select," he said.
He believes space should be more accessible, and theorises that investing in space now will make it more affordable in the future. Mr Isaacman himself is a pilot, and he also founded the tactical aircraft training centre Draken International.
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