Watch SpaceX’s stunning footage from Fram2 polar mission

Launched on March 31 from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, Fram2 embarked on a true polar orbit, crossing over both the North and South poles. It was a four-day journey that culminated in a splashdown off the coast of California, marking the first Pacific landing for a SpaceX crewed mission.

Funded by Chun Wang, an entrepreneur from Malta, the crew of Fram2 included individuals like Norwegian cinematographer Jannicke Mikkelsen, Australian polar explorer Eric Philips, and German robotics engineer Rabea Rogge. None of them were professional astronauts, making it a unique orbital experience for all.

Throughout the mission, the crew conducted over 20 scientific experiments aimed at advancing humanity’s capabilities for long-duration space exploration. These experiments included the first-ever X-ray taken in space to study the effects of microgravity on bone and muscle density.

Other studies focused on maintaining muscle and skeletal mass in microgravity conditions, as well as observing auroras and atmospheric phenomena from space. Despite initial discomfort, the mission was a success and a significant step forward in commercial and private human space exploration.

The mission’s name, “Fram2,” pays homage to the Norwegian polar research ship Fram, which completed expeditions to both the North and South Poles over a century ago.