On a crisp Monday evening, SpaceX ignited the night sky, launching four pioneers into space on a groundbreaking journey—one that would take them where no human mission has gone before: a polar orbit around Earth.
Unlike traditional crewed launches, which arc eastward or northeastward over the Atlantic, the Fram2 mission took an audacious path, flying due south over Florida and Cuba before breaking free into space. This unconventional trajectory required SpaceX to reprogram its flight software, ensuring that in the event of an emergency, the spacecraft could be carefully steered away from populated areas.
A Crew of Adventurers
The mission is the brainchild of cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang, a Chinese-born Maltese citizen, who is funding the voyage. He is joined by a trio of experts, each bringing a unique skillset to the expedition:
- Jannicke Mikkelsen – A visionary Norwegian film director and cinematographer, poised to capture history in the making.
- Rabea Rogges – A German electrical engineer, roboticist, and polar scientist, keen on pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
- Eric Philips – An Australian polar explorer and private astronaut, adding an adventurer’s spirit to the mission.
The team will spend three to five days circling Earth via the North and South Poles before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off Southern California. During their voyage, they will conduct 22 experiments, including an ambitious attempt to grow mushrooms in space and capture the first-ever X-ray beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
A Nod to Exploration’s Past
Named after the Fram, the legendary steam-and-sail-powered ship used by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen during his daring 1910-1912 expedition to the South Pole, the mission embodies the same pioneering spirit that defined the Age of Exploration.
But this time, the terrain isn’t icy tundra—it’s the cosmos.
A New Trajectory in Spaceflight
While satellites frequently take polar orbits for Earth observation, weather monitoring, and environmental research, no crewed mission has ever followed this path. The Fram2 mission will be the first to witness the poles from space, providing a rare perspective on our planet’s most remote regions.
Yet, this new trajectory comes with risks. Kevin Lewis, a planetary scientist at Johns Hopkins University, warns that “the ionizing radiation dose will certainly be higher over the poles.” However, he adds that while exposure may be a few times higher than in equatorial orbits, it’s unlikely to pose a significant threat on a short-duration mission—unless an extreme solar flare erupts.
One of the experiments onboard will measure radiation levels within the Dragon spacecraft, ensuring future missions are well-prepared for similar journeys.
Mushrooms in Microgravity
Among the many experiments, one particularly fascinating study will test the feasibility of growing oyster mushrooms in space. Conducted on behalf of FOODiQ Global, the project aims to explore mushrooms as a viable space crop.
Dr. Flávia Fayet-Moore, CEO of FOODiQ Global, explains the significance: “Mushrooms are the perfect space crop. The way they grow and complement plant systems is ideal for long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.”
Unlike traditional crops, mushrooms thrive in low-light conditions and can synthesize vitamin D when exposed to ultraviolet light—an essential nutrient for astronauts combating bone loss in microgravity.
And for those who dislike mushrooms? “Well,” Fayet-Moore laughs, “astronaut selection criteria are already tough. Maybe ‘must be willing to eat mushrooms in space’ should be added to the list.”
Countdown to Liftoff
The Fram2 mission is set to launch from Kennedy Space Center, with the launch window opening at 9:46 p.m. ET on Monday and extending until 2:26 a.m. ET on Tuesday. If necessary, SpaceX has a backup opportunity starting at 9:46 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
As the countdown nears zero, four individuals sit strapped into their seats, ready to etch their names into the annals of spaceflight history. This isn’t just another mission—it’s a bold leap into the unknown, a tribute to exploration’s past, and a beacon for the future of human space travel.
The world watches as the engines ignite, sending Fram2 on its polar voyage. The next chapter in humanity’s journey beyond Earth has begun.