SpaceX is preparing for the historic launch of the Fram2 mission, which will take four space tourists on their first flight to explore the remotest corners of the Earth. The launch is scheduled for March 31 at 11:20 a.m. EDT from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Unique flight path
The mission, named after the spacecraft that first explored the polar regions, will take place 425-450 km above Earth in a 90° inclined Earth orbit. This is the first-ever astronaut flight over the poles on a trajectory previously used only by satellites.
The crew is led by Chun Wang, the founder of crypto companies f2pool and stakefish. He was joined by Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, Australian explorer Eric Philips and German robotics expert Rabea Rogge. All of them are new to the space.
Scientific objectives
From polar orbit, astronauts will spend 3-5 days observing the STEVE phenomenon, a rare aurora with purple-green stripes. They will also conduct an experiment to grow mushrooms in microgravity for future missions to Mars. The project was developed by FOODiQ Global, an Australian company that aims to create a food system for astronauts.
Mission Risks
Polar orbits are dangerous because of higher radiation levels. But such orbit provides unique opportunities to observe the planet. Unlike the ISS, Fram2’s trajectory will cover 100% of the Earth, including the poles. This will be somewhat of a stress test for the Crew Dragon capsule, which has already proven its reliability during the Polaris Dawn mission with the first private spacewalk.
The Fram2 mission is another milestone in the commercialization of space. It demonstrates how private companies take on complex scientific tasks once only available to governments. The success of the flight will pave the way for new expeditions to the polar regions and a deeper study of climate change.
If all goes according to plan, Fram2 will not only push the boundaries of space exploration, but also inspire a new generation of dreamers to make bold discoveries.
We previously reported on how private rockets flew faster than the laws in space.
According to nypost.com
