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Inspiration4 mission doubling as fundraiser makes final preparations to launch from KSC

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — A week from today, the Inspiration4 mission will launch from the Kennedy Space Center on a three-day, all-civilian mission to orbit.

In addition to being a major milestone in human spaceflight, it’s also intended to raise millions of dollars for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

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The all-civilian mission is scheduled to lift off from Launch Complex 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center. It will be commanded by pilot and tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments.

READ: Inspiration4 ‘Go’ for historic all-civilian launch from Kennedy Space Center

“From the beginning, Inspiration4 has set out to inspire the world as to what is possible in space, but also what we can accomplish here on Earth,” Isaacman said.

On the fundraising mission, Isaacman will be joined on the historic flight by mission pilot Dr. Sian Proctor, a geoscientist and former astronaut candidate; medical officer Haley Areceneaux, a childhood cancer survivor and physician assistant; and mission specialist Chris Sembroski, a U.S. Air Force veteran and aerospace worker.

READ: Billionaire names members of first all-civilian crew for SpaceX mission benefiting St. Jude

The crew is scheduled to arrive on the Space Coast Thursday to begin final preparations for their mission.

About three days before liftoff, SpaceX will narrow down the launch window for the Inspiration4 mission.

READ: Kennedy Space Center offers new ticket special for Florida residents

Channel 9 will be streaming the Inspiration4 mission LIVE.

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Adam Poulisse, WFTV.com

Adam Poulisse joined WFTV in November 2019.