SpaceX’s Fram2 Mission

Current Affairs International Issues

Posted by newadmin on 2025-04-01 08:48:17 |

Share: Facebook | Twitter | Whatsapp | Linkedin Visits: 59

---

SpaceX is preparing to launch the Fram2 mission, which will take astronauts directly over Earth’s polar regions. This mission aims to conduct a range of scientific experiments, including the first X-ray in space and the cultivation of mushrooms in microgravity. The findings from these experiments could play a crucial role in paving the way for future missions to Mars.

Fram2 is named after a historic Norwegian ship used for Arctic and Antarctic expeditions in the 19th century. The mission will involve four astronauts, who will be launched aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule on a Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission will achieve a groundbreaking 90-degree circular orbit, which is much steeper than the typical 51.6-degree orbit used in past human missions.

The scientific goals of Fram2 are focused on three key areas: first, capturing the first-ever X-ray images of astronauts in space to study the effects of prolonged spaceflight on the human body; second, exploring the possibility of cultivating mushrooms in space as a sustainable food source for long-duration missions, including those to Mars; and third, investigating the mysterious atmospheric light phenomenon known as Strong Thermal Emission Velocity Enhancements (STEVE) observed over Earth’s polar regions. Additionally, SpaceX is introducing the Fram2Ham Competition, which will invite amateur radio operators to decode images transmitted from space, providing a unique and interactive way for the public to engage with the mission.

Historically, Earth’s polar regions have largely been unexplored by astronauts, with previous missions like Apollo not venturing over these areas. Fram2 will fill this gap in space exploration, offering a unique perspective on Earth’s poles from orbit.

SpaceX has already completed five private astronaut missions to date. These include three collaborations with Axiom Space to the International Space Station, as well as two free-flying missions in Earth’s orbit: Inspiration4 in 2021 and Polaris Dawn.

Go!