Four new astronauts are floating in a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, marveling at Earth’s polar regions. They’re part of the exciting Fram2 mission, which is making history in human spaceflight.
Launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the Fram2 mission sent these private astronauts on an unprecedented journey. They are orbiting Earth at a height where no humans have been before. The crew has already started important research from their unique perch, sharing exciting updates as they settle in.
The team includes Chun Wang, a crypto billionaire; Jannicke Mikkelsen, a filmmaker from Norway; Eric Philips, an Australian adventurer; and Rabea Rogge, a German robotics expert. This is the first time any of them have traveled to space, and Wang is reportedly funding the mission.
Wang shared his thoughts about the launch on social media, noting how smooth the ride was, surprising him after his expectations. Instead of a heart-stopping drop like he anticipated, he felt steady, even joking about a stuffed polar bear he used as a zero-gravity indicator.
However, their first hours in space weren’t without challenges. Wang reported that all four astronauts experienced motion sickness, a feeling distinct from what they had felt on Earth. Surprisingly, they could read and engage with their iPads without worsening their discomfort.
The crew spent their first night rewatching their launch. By the next morning, they felt rejuvenated, taking in stunning views from the spacecraft’s cupola. They were even able to see auroras, including the rare phenomenon known as STEVE—characterized by hazy purple and green streaks across the sky.
During their first day in orbit, the astronauts jumped into their research tasks, studying how the human brain adapts to life in space. They are conducting 22 studies aimed at understanding human health in space, which could be crucial for future long-duration missions. For the first time in space, they also carried out X-rays and performed tests for SpaceX’s Starlink network. Rogge even utilized a ham radio onboard to connect with enthusiasts back in Berlin.
The Dragon spacecraft is currently flying at an altitude between 265 to 280 miles (425 to 450 kilometers) while traveling in a polar orbit—an impressive feat for commercial spaceflight. Given the mission is expected to last three to five days, there’s much more to anticipate. Stay tuned for more updates from space as these pioneers continue their groundbreaking journey.
For more insights into the potential health implications of space travel, the European Space Agency offers valuable resources on the physiological effects of microgravity on astronauts. You can explore more here.
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