Crypto investor buys SpaceX flight to lead first crewed polar orbit mission; here are the complete details

SpaceX's Dragon capsule is set to carry a crew of four astronauts on a polar orbit mission. (Image: SpaceX)

In an era where the boundaries of exploration are continually expanding, a private polar expedition is set to make history by venturing beyond the Earth's atmosphere. Cryptocurrency investor Chun Wang has embarked on a remarkable journey, purchasing a multi-day SpaceX flight with the ambitious goal of leading the first crewed space mission in polar orbit. This mission, dubbed “Fram2,” is a tribute to the legendary 19th-century polar exploration vessel, Fram, and is scheduled to launch later this year.

The mission will be carried out using SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and the Dragon capsule, aptly named Endurance after Sir Ernest Shackleton’s famous ship. This connection to polar exploration runs deep, as Wang has assembled a team of Arctic experts to join him on this groundbreaking voyage. The crew includes Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, Australian explorer Eric Philips, and German researcher Rabea Rogge, each bringing their unique expertise to the mission.

Wang’s passion for space exploration dates back to his childhood, and the Fram2 mission represents the realisation of a lifelong dream. Born in Tianjin, China, and now a Maltese citizen, Wang has lived a nomadic life, visiting over 100 countries and immersing himself in diverse cultures. His vision for Fram2 was inspired by the private Inspiration4 mission, which demonstrated the potential for privately funded space exploration.

Despite the decreasing costs of human spaceflight, such missions remain accessible only to those with significant financial resources. SpaceX has not disclosed the exact cost of the Fram2 mission, but previous crewed missions have been estimated at over $200 million. Wang, who amassed his wealth through cryptocurrency mining, including co-founding F2Pool, has kept a low profile, but his passion for space has driven him to fund this extraordinary mission.

The Fram2 crew will spend three to five days in orbit, conducting a range of scientific research. Their studies will focus on the upper atmosphere, particularly the fragments in the aurora, and the effects of spaceflight on the human body. The crew has undergone extensive training, including sessions in Alaska and at SpaceX’s facilities, to prepare for the challenges of space travel.

For Wang, Fram2 is more than just a personal achievement; it represents a new frontier in making space exploration accessible to all. He hopes that this mission will inspire others to pursue their own dreams of space travel and to believe that they too can embark on their own personal space missions. As the Fram2 mission prepares for launch, it signals a new era in exploration, where the cold expanses of the poles meet the infinite possibilities of space.