SpaceX, the pioneering private space company, is poised to make history with its upcoming mission, Fram2. Named after the Norwegian exploration ship that braved the Arctic and Antarctic between 1893 and 1912, Fram2 will be the first crewed spaceflight to explore Earth’s polar regions.
An digital rendition of Fram2 mission above Earth’s pole Image credit: SpaceX
The Crew
The four astronauts selected for this groundbreaking mission are all spaceflight rookies.
Commander Chun Wang (Malta): An entrepreneur and adventurer, Wang aims to inspire wonder and curiosity through this mission. His leadership will guide the crew as they venture into uncharted territory.
Vehicle Commander Jannicke Mikkelsen (Norway): Mikkelsen will oversee the spacecraft, ensuring a smooth journey. Her expertise will be crucial during the mission.
Vehicle Pilot Eric Philips (Australia): Philips will handle the spacecraft’s controls, navigating the crew around Earth’s poles. His precision and skill are essential for this unique flight.
Mission Specialist Rabea Rogge (Germany): Rogge’s scientific background will contribute to the mission’s success. She’ll conduct experiments and observations during the flight.
The Mission
Fram2 will launch atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida’s Space Coast later this year. Unlike previous crewed missions, Fram2 won’t dock with the International Space Station (ISS). Instead, it will orbit
Earth solo, providing unparalleled views of our planet’s polar regions.
Fram2 ‘Framonauts’ posing inside the Crew Dragon training Simulator Image Credit: SpaceX
During the 3-to-5-day mission, the crew will observe Earth’s polar areas through Dragon’s cupola at an altitude of 425-450 km (249 to 264 miles). They’ll study unusual light emissions resembling auroras, including green fragments and mauve ribbons. These phenomena are comparable to the mysterious STEVE (Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancement), previously measured at an altitude of approximately 400-500 km (249 to 311 miles) above Earth’s atmosphere.
Cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang is believed to be privately funding Fram2. Born and raised in China, SpaceX describes Wang as an “entrepreneur and adventurer from Malta,” after he received Malta citizenship late last year.Commander Chun Wang who goes by the username 'Satofishi' has been sharing his experience on X. He wrote "I was once told that the Dragon is fully automatic, and all you needed to know is how to put out a fire, and you’d be ready to fly."
He further added "Until a few weeks ago, I received 2.8 GB of learning materials. Not only do you need to understand every detail of the spacecraft and countless procedures, but you must also learn how to administer injections and even perform urinary catheterization in a weightless environment."
Additionally, the Fram2 crew will investigate how spaceflight affects the human body. Their work includes capturing the first-ever X-ray image of a human in space. The expedition, using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule (aptly named Endurance after Ernest Shackleton’s ship), will most likely launch later this year at the earliest.
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