Private Polar Expedition to Space

SOURCE www.cnbc.com
Private polar expeditions are reaching new heights as cryptocurrency speculator Chun Wang plans to lead the first crewed space mission in polar orbit, flying end-to-end over the Earth using SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule named Endurance. The mission, called 'Fram2,' is an ode to the 19th-century polar expedition ship Fram and is set to launch near the end of this year. Wang, along with a trio of Arctic specialists, aims to conduct research and make space more accessible to everyone.

Key Points

  • Chun Wang, a cryptocurrency speculator, plans to lead a crewed space mission in polar orbit
  • The mission is named 'Fram2' and will use SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule named Endurance
  • The crew includes Arctic specialists aiming to conduct research and make space more accessible

Pros

  • Advancement in private space exploration
  • Conducting research on upper atmosphere and spaceflight effects on the human body
  • Making space more accessible to individuals

Cons

  • Accessibility limited to ultra-high-net-worth individuals
  • Undisclosed cost of the mission