Introduction
Maltese-Chinese billionaire Chun Wang, currently residing in northern Norway, is making headlines for his upcoming polar orbit space mission with SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft. The cryptocurrency magnate describes this venture as the culmination of a lifelong fascination with exploration and pushing boundaries.
The Space Mission
Wang has secured a private charter with SpaceX for what he's calling the "Fram 2 Mission" - named after the 19th-century Norwegian polar exploration ship Fram ("Forward" in Norwegian). The mission will carry a piece of Fram's original teak decking into space.
"This journey isn't just about going to space," Wang explained in a March 28 interview. "It's about breaking boundaries and sharing knowledge. We hope our mission will inspire others to pursue their own frontiers."
Background of a Crypto Pioneer
While relatively unknown in mainstream circles, Wang is:
- Co-founder of F2Pool, one of the world's largest cryptocurrency mining operations
- An early Bitcoin adopter since 2011
- Holder of Maltese citizenship since 2018 after living in China, Thailand, and South Korea
Inspiration Behind the Mission
Wang cites two key influences for his space ambitions:
- Jared Isaacman: Shift4 entrepreneur who completed the first civilian spacewalk
- Yusaku Maezawa: Japanese billionaire who visited the ISS aboard Soyuz
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Philosophy of Exploration
"I've always been driven by curiosity," Wang reflects. "As a child, I would stare at the blank spaces at the bottom of world maps wondering what was there. This same curiosity led me to Antarctica in 2021 and the North Pole in 2023. Now, it's taking me to space."
The Fram Legacy
The original Fram ship carried polar explorers in the 19th century. By naming his mission after this vessel, Wang connects his space journey to humanity's long history of exploration.
FAQ
What cryptocurrency ventures is Chun Wang involved with?
Wang co-founded F2Pool and has been actively involved in Bitcoin mining since 2011, making him one of the early pioneers in the crypto space.
Why did Wang choose SpaceX for his mission?
SpaceX has established itself as the leader in commercial spaceflight, making it the natural choice for private missions like Wang's polar orbit journey.
What makes this space mission unique?
The Fram 2 Mission stands out by:
- Carrying historical artifact (piece of Fram's deck)
- Focusing on knowledge sharing
- Emphasizing the philosophical aspects of exploration
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How does Wang view the relationship between cryptocurrency and space exploration?
While not explicitly stated, Wang's career trajectory suggests he sees parallels between these frontier-pushing fields - both representing new territories of human innovation.
What's next for Wang after this space mission?
Given his history of continual exploration, it's likely Wang will seek new boundaries to push, whether technological, geographical, or philosophical.
How can others get involved in space tourism?
With commercial spaceflight becoming more accessible, interested individuals can:
- Monitor SpaceX and other providers for mission announcements
- Begin financial preparation (current costs remain in the millions)
- Pursue relevant training and education