In a groundbreaking moment for space travel, four space tourists have safely returned to Earth after completing a historic journey orbiting over both the North and South Poles. The crew splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California on Friday, marking the first Pacific splashdown for a space crew in 50 years.
Bitcoin investor Chun Wang, who was born in China and is now a citizen of Malta, chartered the SpaceX Dragon capsule for this unique adventure. Joining him were Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German robotics researcher Rabea Rogge, and Australian polar guide Eric Philips. The capsule was specially outfitted with a domed window, offering the crew breathtaking 360-degree views of Earth’s polar regions and everything in between.
“It is so epic because it is another kind of desert, so it just goes on and on and on all the way,” Rogge shared in a video while gazing down at the endless icy landscapes. The crew documented their journey extensively, with Mikkelsen dedicating much of her time to capturing the stunning vistas and unique moments from space.
The mission, named Fram2, paid homage to the Norwegian sailing ship Fram, which carried explorers to the poles over a century ago. To honor that legacy, the crew brought along a piece of the original ship’s wooden deck. Beyond sightseeing, they conducted more than two dozen science experiments, including taking the first medical X-rays in space.
The journey wasn’t without its challenges. All four members experienced space motion sickness shortly after reaching orbit, but they quickly recovered and were able to enjoy the rest of their three-and-a-half-day trip. “By day two, we felt great and opened the window cover right above the South Pole,” Wang reported.
SpaceX’s decision to splash down in the Pacific instead of the usual sites off Florida’s coast was based on safety considerations. The company aims to ensure that any debris from the capsule’s trunk falls into the ocean far from populated areas.
As they exited the capsule, the crew couldn’t hide their excitement, pumping their fists in jubilation. Their safe return marks a significant milestone in the era of private space travel, opening new frontiers for future explorers and adventurers.
