SpaceX Launches First Manned Polar Orbit Flight Funded by Crypto Investor

Elon Musk's SpaceX has successfully launched its first-ever manned flight to orbit the Earth’s poles, a groundbreaking mission that was bankrolled by a notable cryptocurrency investor. The mission, named “Fram2”, took off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on April 1, 2025, and is set to make history as the first human spaceflight to circle both the North and South poles.

Mission Leadership and Crew

The mission is spearheaded by Chun Wang, a Chinese-born Maltese entrepreneur and the founder of the Bitcoin mining pool F2Pool. Wang, who also created the Ethereum staking pool provider Stakefish, funded the entire mission and is part of the crew aboard the SpaceX spacecraft. Alongside him are three additional astronauts: Rabea Rogge, a German polar scientist; Jannicke Mikkelsen, a Norwegian cinematographer; and Eric Philips, an Australian Arctic adventurer.

The mission, which is set to last between three to five days, aims to travel to the Earth's poles, making it the first spaceflight to do so. The crew is expected to orbit the Earth approximately every 90 minutes.

Experiments and Objectives

In addition to its polar journey, the Fram2 mission has a scientific purpose. The crew will conduct 22 experiments during their time in orbit, focused on human health in space and the effects of long-duration spaceflight. Among the experiments being carried out are the first-ever X-ray in space and efforts to grow mushrooms in a microgravity environment.

These experiments are intended to inform and advance space exploration, particularly regarding human health and the practicalities of long-term space missions, such as those that may one day venture to Mars.

Chun Wang’s Role and Background

Wang, who became a Maltese citizen in 2023, founded F2Pool in 2013, one of the largest Bitcoin mining pools in the world, now with just under 10% of the global market share, according to mempool.space. In 2018, he expanded into the Ethereum ecosystem by founding Stakefish, one of the leading Ethereum staking pool providers.

Though Wang has not disclosed the exact cost of funding the Fram2 mission, his involvement signals the growing intersection between the cryptocurrency industry and space exploration. His deep investment into technological ventures such as these highlights the broadening influence of crypto entrepreneurs in global innovation sectors.

Historic Journey and Return

After launch, the crew made their way toward the South Pole, reaching an altitude of around 265 miles (430 kilometers) above Earth within 30 minutes. The SpaceX Dragon capsule carrying the crew will complete its journey by splashing down off the coast of California at the end of the mission.

This mission is a significant milestone in both the history of private space travel and the growing involvement of crypto entrepreneurs in the space exploration sector. The successful completion of this flight could pave the way for future space missions funded by private investors, further bridging the gap between technology, space exploration, and cryptocurrency.