The SpaceX Fram2 mission is already in the planning phase, as new reports point out. This is the sixth private astronaut mission being prepared by SpaceX and might launch towards the end of 2024. With this mission, the Elon Musk-owned space venture is planning to circle the Earth in a polar orbit, making it the first of its kind.
As you might already know, the ISS doesn’t navigate the polar orbit, since it’s less accessible than other orbits. However other satellites in outer space orbit the polar region from north to south as they do not carry a crew. However, the SpaceX Fram2 mission aims to be the “first crewed mission” that will circle the Earth in a polar orbit from north to south.
Read also: Tourist “Space Sphere” Prepares for Landmark Test Flight.
Chun Wang will be the lead astronaut in this mission, and he’ll be in charge of three other crew members. SpaceX plans to send out first-time space fliers on this mission, and they are Chun Wang, Jannicke Mikkelsen, Eric Philips, and Rabea Rogge. The aircraft that the SpaceX Fram2 mission will use will be the Falcon 9.
On its part, the Falcon 9 rocket uses 9 Merlin engines in its first stage of flight and just 1 in the second stage. Being a reusable rocket, it’ll be responsible for taking the crew for the SpaceX Fram2 mission to the polar orbit. Here, the team will be able to start their mission on the Crew Dragon capsule.
This mission will allow SpaceX to observe and better understand the effects of spaceflight on humans. It’ll also give the team onboard the opportunity to observe the polar region. According to the available reports, this mission will last up to five days.