Fram2 mission

Current context: SpaceX’s Fram2 mission, set to launch soon, will take astronauts on a groundbreaking journey over Earth’s polar regions, areas previously unexplored by astronauts

Key Highlights

• Mission Name: Fram2, named after a historic Norwegian ship used in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions.
• Launch: Scheduled aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, launched from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center on a Falcon 9 rocket.
• Astronauts: 4 astronauts on board for the mission.

Mission Objectives:

• 90-Degree Orbit: Achieve a steeper, 90° orbit compared to the standard 51.6° orbit.
• X-ray Imaging: First-ever X-ray images of astronauts to study spaceflight effects on the human body.
• Mushroom Cultivation: Test growing mushrooms in microgravity for sustainable food sources in future missions.
• STEVE Study: Investigate the atmospheric light phenomenon, Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancements (STEVE).
• Public Engagement: Fram2 competition allows amateur radio operators to decode images from space.
• Historical Context: First mission to fly over Earth’s polar regions, previously unexplored by astronauts.
• SpaceX History: SpaceX has completed five private astronaut missions, including Inspiration4 (2021).