Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian human space mission, made history last night as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 lifted off from historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
The Inspiration4 mission is a breakthrough in human space exploration.
It is the first all-civilian crew to orbit Earth, the first free-flight Crew Dragon mission, and the first orbital human spaceflight mission that will not dock with a space station since the final Hubble mission on STS-125 in 2009.
Inspiration4 is being monitored at every step by SpaceX mission control as the spacecraft orbits the planet every 90 minutes along a custom flight path.
The mission is the brainchild of Jared Isaacman, a 38-year-old entrepreneur and pilot who will also serve as commander.
He is joined by three other passengers, all of whom are wearing a unique, space-themed IWC Pilot’s Watch Chronographs representing the mission’s values of Leadership, Hope, Generosity and Prosperity.
When the crew returns to earth, they will hand over the watches so they can be auctioned as part of the mission’s aim to raise funds for and promote the life-saving work of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, America’s foremost pediatric treatment and research facility.
The 44.5mm Pilot’s Watch Chronograph Edition Inspiration4 has a white ceramic case and a dark blue lacquered dial printed with stars and the Inspiration4 logo.
It uses IWC-manufactured 69380 caliber chronograph movement protected by a titanium case back engraved with the name and mission. They are worn on a white rubber strap with a leather inlay.
