CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – Four space rookies embarked on an extraordinary journey aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, offering a unique perspective of Earth’s polar regions while conducting groundbreaking research. The Fram2 mission, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marks a significant milestone in human spaceflight exploration. The crew, comprised of individuals with diverse backgrounds ranging from crypto billionaire to cinematographer, is venturing into uncharted territory, circling the planet from a vantage point never before experienced by humans.
Led by mission commander Chun Wang, the crew of private astronauts, including a Norwegian cinematographer, an Australian polar adventurer, and a German robotics researcher, is on a mission funded by Wang himself. Their journey to orbit was described as smooth and surprisingly comfortable, with the crew adjusting to weightlessness and marveling at the views through the spacecraft’s cupola window. The crew’s experience in space, however, was not without challenges, as the onset of space motion sickness affected their first few hours in orbit, causing discomfort and nausea.
Despite the initial difficulties, the astronauts wasted no time in delving into their research activities. Conducting 22 research studies aimed at enhancing our understanding of human health in space, the crew performed tasks such as taking X-rays in space and testing SpaceX’s Starlink network. Moreover, robotics researcher Rogge utilized an amateur radio to establish communication with Berlin, showcasing the crew’s dedication to advancing scientific knowledge while in orbit.
Flying over Earth’s polar regions at an altitude of approximately 265 to 280 miles, the Dragon spacecraft offers a unique perspective of the planet from a polar orbit. The mission, designed to last three to five days, promises more updates and insights as the crew continues to explore the mysteries of space and conduct groundbreaking research. Stay tuned for more updates from the Fram2 mission as the crew ventures into the unknown, paving the way for future space exploration endeavors.