SpaceX Launches First Human Mission to Polar Orbit

SpaceX successfully launched its Fram2 mission on Monday, marking the first-ever human spaceflight to orbit directly over Earth's polar regions. The mission, which lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center at 9:46 p.m. ET, carries four astronauts: mission commander Chun Wang, vehicle commander Jannicke Mikkelsen, vehicle pilot Rabea Rogge, and mission specialist Eric Philips, all of whom are flying to space for the first time. Over the course of three to five days, the crew will conduct various scientific experiments, including the first x-ray in space and studies on human health in microgravity. The spacecraft is equipped with a cupola window that provides 360-degree views, enhancing the crew's observational capabilities. The mission aims to gather data essential for understanding the effects of long-duration space travel, especially in polar environments. This launch highlights the growing role of private companies in advancing space exploration and scientific research.