From Ice to Orbit: The Fram2 Mission

By Steve Hammer ​

In April 2025, a groundbreaking space mission named Fram2 made history by becoming the first crewed spacecraft to orbit Earth over its polar regions. This mission not only achieved a significant milestone in space exploration but also brought together an international team of astronauts, each with unique backgrounds and expertise.​

Origin of the Name "Fram2"

The mission's name, Fram2, pays homage to the original Fram, a Norwegian exploration ship used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries for pioneering Arctic and Antarctic expeditions. The word "Fram" translates to "forward" in Norwegian, symbolizing progress and exploration. By naming the mission Fram2, the team aimed to continue the spirit of polar exploration, this time extending it beyond Earth's surface into space. ​

The Fram2 Crew

The Fram2 mission was led and funded by Chun Wang, a Maltese investor and entrepreneur originally from China. Wang made his fortune in the cryptocurrency industry and has a deep passion for exploration and adventure. His vision for Fram2 was to combine scientific research with the thrill of venturing into uncharted territories. ​

Serving as the vehicle commander was Jannicke Mikkelsen from Norway. Mikkelsen is a renowned cinematographer and film director, known for her work in extreme and remote environments. Her expertise in capturing high-quality visuals was invaluable for documenting the mission's journey over the polar regions. ​

The role of pilot was undertaken by Rabea Rogge, a German robotics researcher. Rogge's background in robotics and engineering contributed significantly to the mission's scientific experiments, particularly those involving automated systems and data collection in microgravity. ​

Eric Philips, an Australian polar explorer, served as the mission specialist and medical officer. With over three decades of experience in Arctic and Antarctic expeditions, Philips brought a wealth of knowledge about survival and research in extreme environments. His role was crucial in monitoring the crew's health and conducting experiments related to human physiology in space. ​

Mission Highlights

Fram2 launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule. The mission's trajectory took the crew over both the North and South Poles, offering unprecedented views of Earth's polar ice caps from space. During their time in orbit, the crew conducted 22 scientific experiments focusing on human health in microgravity, atmospheric studies, and even attempted to grow oyster mushrooms as a potential food source for future space missions. ​

The success of Fram2 not only marked a significant achievement in space exploration but also demonstrated the potential of private missions to contribute to scientific knowledge and international collaboration. The diverse backgrounds of the crew members exemplify how expertise from various fields can come together to push the boundaries of what is possible.