SPACE

Four space tourists make history by completing the first human mission to orbit both the North and South Poles.

By Aniket Chakraborty

Apr 11, 2025

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The mission, aboard SpaceX's Dragon capsule, marks the first time in 50 years that a crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean.

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The crew, led by Bitcoin investor Chun Wang, enjoyed breathtaking views from the domed window of the Dragon capsule.

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Image Credit | @satofishi | X

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Wang was joined by Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German researcher Rabea Rogge, and Australian guide Eric Philips.

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Image Credit | @astro_jannicke | X

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The group documented their journey, capturing the polar caps and landscapes from 270 miles above Earth.

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The crew also conducted medical tests and over two dozen scientific experiments, including the first medical X-rays in space.

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During the mission, the crew experienced space motion sickness but recovered after the first day in orbit.

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The mission, named Fram2, pays homage to the Norwegian ship Fram, which helped explorers reach the poles over a century ago.

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The mission's success was celebrated by the crew with triumphant fist pumps after safely splashing down off California's coast.

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Image Credit | @nasahqphoto | X

With the Pacific splashdown, this mission sets a new benchmark for space tourism and human spaceflight.

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Image Credit | @nasahqphoto | X