"It got really quiet," spectators gather in Titusville to watch Polaris Dawn launch
- by Florida Today
- Sep 10, 2024
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SpaceX Polaris Dawn launch inspires
Michelle and John Vollbrecht from Apollo Beach stood by the water with their six children, all eight starring in the direction of the launch pad. All took turns stealing glances at a smart phone playing the SpaceX livestream of the event.
The couple had just met with Polaris Dawn commander Jared Isaacman a few months ago, and now they are watching him blast off − and not for the first time. This is the second time they are watching Isaacman launch, as their family friend, Chris Sembroski, flew to space on Isaacman's first mission, Inspiration4.
"We're here in support of Jared," Michelle Vollbrecht told FLORIDA TODAY. "We completely support what he does and all of his fundraising for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital." Like Inspiration4, Polaris Dawn is raising money for the hospital.
Vollbrecht told FLORIDA TODAY that since her kids have met and watched two astronauts fly to space, they have taken more of an interest in space exploration. "As my daughter said, we're sitting here texting our friend who's an astronaut, getting ready to see another astronaut we've met (launch). And it kind of sums up the opportunities we hope to give our kids," Vollbrecht said.
Natalla Solnushko looked over at the launch pad − a clear view of it from across the water. She told FLORIDA TODAY she is orginally from Ukraine but currently living in Texas and working as a pharmacy tech. Solnushko is on vacation, and just happened to be here for this historic launch.
"This is exciting! It's a big deal for mankind," said Solnushko, describing how space exploration has historically been controlled by government.
Now, private companies and investors are opening up opportunities for more people. It's not just NASA astronauts headed to space anymore, as Polaris Dawn has an entrepreneur-turned-pilot leading the mission as well as two SpaceX employees. Solnushko said she's hopeful a private mission to Mars may come in the future.
Brooke Edwards is a Space Reporter for Florida Today. Contact her at bedwards@floridatoday.com or on X: @brookeofstars.
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