In a groundbreaking achievement for both private space travel and the cryptocurrency industry, SpaceX has successfully launched its first manned mission to orbit the poles of the Earth. The highly anticipated journey, named “Fram2,” is spearheaded by Chun Wang, a prominent Maltese entrepreneur and crypto investor, marking a notable intersection of technology and finance.
Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, at 1:46 am UTC on April 1, 2025, the mission includes a crew of four private astronauts. Among them are recognized figures such as German polar scientist Rabea Rogge, Norwegian cinematographer Jannicke Mikkelsen, and Australian Arctic adventurer Eric Philips. This mission not only strives for scientific exploration but is poised to set records, being the first of its kind to traverse over the North and South Poles.
While Chun Wang has maintained discretion regarding the financial specifics of the venture, it is evident that his substantial investment in SpaceX underscores the growing synergy between blockchain technology and space exploration. Wang is best known for founding F2Pool, one of the largest Bitcoin mining pools globally.
Liftoff of Fram2 and the @framonauts! pic.twitter.com/XBL5juCnHQ
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 1, 2025
The crew’s objectives extend beyond mere orbiting; they plan to undertake 22 innovative experiments that include taking the first-ever X-ray in space and cultivating mushrooms. These experiments aim to study the implications of long-duration spaceflight on human health, revealing critical insights that could influence future explorations.
Chun Wang’s journey to this mission began in China before he became a Maltese citizen. His entrepreneurial ventures in cryptocurrency began with F2Pool in 2013, which was among the nation’s earliest Bitcoin mining operations. Additionally, he established a staking pool provider, Stakefish, focused on Ethereum, further diversifying his contributions to the cryptocurrency space.
Chun Wang (right) onboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule with Jannicke Mikkelsen (center-right), Rabea Rogge (center-left), and Eric Philips (left). Source: SpaceX
Following their launch, Wang and his team quickly reached the South Pole, flying at approximately 265 miles (430 kilometers) above the Earth’s surface. They are expected to complete a full orbit of the globe approximately every 90 minutes. Upon concluding their mission, the crew will return to Earth, marking a pivotal moment in the history of private spaceflight.
This mission not only exemplifies advancements in private space travel but also highlights the impact of cryptocurrency finance on cutting-edge scientific endeavors.
