NH native and University of New Hampshire alum, Samantha Jensen, is set to make history as the pilot of the upcoming SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission. The mission, organized by SpaceX and Axiom Space, will be the first all-private mission to the International Space Station.
Jensen, a Manchester native, graduated from UNH with a degree in aerospace engineering before going on to work for NASA and eventually being selected for this groundbreaking mission. She will be joining a crew of three other private astronauts on the flight, which is scheduled to launch in early 2023.
The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission is a significant step in the commercialization of space travel, as it will be the first time a fully private crew will visit the ISS. The mission is part of a growing trend of private companies working with NASA to expand access to space and lower the costs of space exploration.
Jensen’s selection as the pilot for the Polaris Dawn mission is a testament to her skills and experience in the field of aerospace engineering. She has worked on various projects for NASA, including developing new technologies for space exploration and conducting research on the effects of long-duration space travel on the human body.
As a native of New Hampshire and a graduate of UNH, Jensen’s upcoming mission is sure to inspire other aspiring astronauts and engineers in the state. Her success in being chosen for this milestone mission is a reminder that with hard work and determination, even the stars are within reach.
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