SpaceX’s Fram2: First Crewed Mission to Earth’s Poles

On March 31 at 9:46 PM Eastern time, SpaceX achieved a remarkable milestone by successfully launching the Fram2 private crewed mission aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. This groundbreaking mission marks the first time humans will explore the Earth’s polar regions, areas that remain largely unseen by astronauts on the International Space Station. The crew aboard this mission will utilize a panoramic cupola attachment to observe the polar regions from an impressive altitude of 430 km (267 miles). Notably, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule has the capability to traverse from the North Pole to the South Pole in approximately 46 minutes. Over the course of this three-to-five day mission, the team is expected to capture extensive footage of the polar landscapes. Excitingly, SpaceX has already unveiled the mission’s initial breathtaking views of the Earth’s poles from space.

The mission’s crew will investigate unique light phenomena that resemble auroras in these polar regions, including the intriguing STEVEs—unusual light ribbons that display purple and green hues in the night sky. Additionally, they will conduct 22 carefully designed experiments aimed at enhancing our understanding of human health in space. This knowledge is crucial for planning long-duration missions in the future. Among the groundbreaking activities, the crew will capture the first-ever human X-rays in space, assess exercise regimens aimed at preserving muscle and bone mass, and investigate sleep and stress patterns using innovative wearable technology. They will also monitor glucose levels and evaluate the hormonal health of female crew members. Notably, upon landing, they will not receive the usual medical and mobility assistance, allowing researchers to observe how they readjust to gravity independently, with an MRI scheduled immediately post-arrival. NASA has hailed the Fram2 mission’s launch as a “significant step” in deepening our understanding of how the human body adapts to the challenges of outer space.

Among the crew members is Chun Wang, a Chinese-born cryptocurrency investor currently residing in Norway, who funded this extraordinary journey. Jannicke Mikkelsen, a filmmaker specializing in technology for shooting films in remote and hazardous environments, serves as the mission’s vehicle commander. The role of pilot is held by Rabea Rogge, a robotics researcher from Norway, while Eric Philips, a seasoned polar adventurer and guide, takes on the critical role of medical officer for this pioneering mission.