A Bitcoin entrepreneur has embarked on a historic journey aboard a SpaceX rocket, marking the first time a manned spacecraft has orbited Earth over the North and South poles. The fully automated Dragon capsule, which launched from Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on SpaceX’s sixth private mission, is currently circling 272 miles above Earth at speeds of 17,000mph.
China-born Chun Wang, who made his fortune through Bitcoin mining, has invested an undisclosed sum for this bespoke mission, with reports suggesting a seat in the reusable Dragon spacecraft costs around $55m (£42m). Joining Wang are Rabea Rogge, a German robotics researcher, Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, and Australian polar guide Eric Philips.
During their mission, which is expected to last between three to five days, the crew will conduct 22 experiments, including pioneering research such as the first human X-rays in space and the cultivation of mushrooms in microgravity. This mission also surpasses previous records, as no space traveler has ventured beyond 65 degrees latitude North and South until now, nearing the Arctic and Antarctic Circles.
The mission, aptly named Fram2, pays homage to a Norwegian polar research ship from over a century ago. On their way to the launchpad under police escort, the space tourists witnessed the launch of another Falcon 9 rocket, this one for SpaceX’s Starlink internet project. Wang, referring to the coincidence, expressed, “We’re gonna watch a rocket launch while on our way to a rocket launch.” He has planned this space trip as part of his ambitious goal to visit every country on Earth.
Source: https://news.sky.com/story/bitcoin-tycoon-chun-wang-blasts-off-on-polar-spacex-flight-to-achieve-world-first-13339726
