Bitcoin investor Chun Wang and three polar explorers embarked on a unique journey from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. This marks the first human spaceflight crossing Earth's North and South poles.
Unique Polar Flight
The SpaceX Falcon rocket carrying Wang and his team headed southward over the Atlantic, setting a new course in 64 years of spaceflight history. The initial leg from Florida to the South Pole took about 30 minutes. Their fully automated capsule orbits the globe every 90 minutes, taking 46 minutes to travel between poles.
International Team and Their Mission
Chun Wang, a Chinese-born Maltese citizen, invited three guests to join him: Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German robotics researcher Rabea Rogge, and Australian polar guide Eric Philips. The team plans 24 experiments, including the first human X-rays in space. The expedition, named Fram2, honors a Norwegian polar research ship.
Historical Context and Significance
Previously, no space traveler ventured beyond 65 degrees north and south latitude. Geir Klover, director of Oslo’s Fram Museum, hopes the flight raises awareness of climate change and melting ice caps. He provided the crew with a piece of the original polar ship's wooden deck.
This mission holds scientific and cultural significance, highlighting the importance of climate awareness and discovery. Chun Wang planned this adventure as his 1,000th flight, reflecting his passion for exploration and progress.
