Outer space

CNN-  SpaceX’s latest mission — a bold and risky trek into Earth’s Van Allen radiation belts by a four-person civilian crew who aim to conduct the first commercial spacewalk — has taken flight. The mission, dubbed Polaris Dawn, lifted off at 5:23 a.m. ET. The launch comes after several weather delays in late August and earlier this morning. Further complicating launch prospects was the fact that SpaceX needed to ensure there are calm waters and winds for the crew’s return. Timing is critical: The Polaris Dawn mission will have only enough life support for five or six days in space because carrying out a spacewalk will create a drain on oxygen supplies