Cryptocurrency speculator Chun Wang has purchased a SpaceX multi-day flight, marking the first crewed space mission in polar orbit, set to launch later this year.

Named “Fram2” after a historic polar expedition ship, the mission will use SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon capsule.

Wang, who paid for the mission, has invited three Arctic specialists to join him: Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, Australian explorer Eric Philips, and German researcher Rabea Rogge.

The crew plans to conduct research in orbit, including studying the upper atmosphere and the effects of spaceflight on the human body.

The mission underscores the growing accessibility of space travel, although it remains largely within reach of ultra-wealthy individuals.

Wang, a former co-founder of F2Pool, has a significant fortune from mining cryptocurrency, CNBC has reported.

The crew has begun training with SpaceX, aiming to make space exploration more accessible and immersive for future private missions.

Written by B.C. Begley