SpaceX's Fram2: First Crewed Polar Orbit Journey Set for March 31, 2025
March 24, 2025
SpaceX is preparing for its Fram2 mission, the first crewed flight over Earth's polar regions, scheduled to launch on March 31, 2025.
This mission represents a remarkable turnaround for human spaceflight, occurring just 17 days after the launch of Crew-10.
During their time in low-Earth orbit, the crew will conduct 22 scientific experiments, including studies on unexplained light emissions known as STEVE.
The mission will utilize SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet for communication, and the crew has undergone extensive training in preparation.
The Fram2 mission will feature four international crew members, including mission commander Chun Wang, vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, pilot Eric Philips, and mission specialist Rabea Rogge, all of whom are new to spaceflight.
For the first time, a Crew Dragon recovery will not take place off the coast of Florida, as SpaceX has relocated operations to the West Coast.
Fram2 is SpaceX's seventh private astronaut mission and the fourth launch of the Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft.
The launch is set for 11:20 p.m. ET, with a livestream starting an hour prior, and viewers are encouraged to follow SpaceX's social media for updates.
Key experiments will include taking the first X-ray image of a human in space and evaluating the effects of spaceflight on human health.
Named after the Norwegian ship Fram, known for its polar explorations, the mission aims to inspire public curiosity about exploration and technology.
Funding for the Fram2 mission comes from cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang, who has ambitions to visit all 249 countries and territories in the world.
Fram2 will be the first crewed spaceflight to take a southern trajectory over the North and South Poles, aiming to complete the journey between the poles in under 46 minutes.
Summary based on 7 sources
Get a daily email with more Tech stories
Sources

Digital Trends • Mar 24, 2025
How to watch SpaceX launch its first private crewed mission in nearly 7 months
Phys.org • Mar 24, 2025
SpaceX targets end of month for private astronaut polar orbit mission Fram2
Orlando Sentinel • Mar 23, 2025
SpaceX targets end of month for private astronaut polar orbit mission Fram2