SpaceX Launches Crew Dragon, Set to Enter Polar Orbit for the First Time

SpaceX, the aerospace company owned by American billionaire Elon Musk, has launched the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which is set to enter polar orbit for the first time. The launch occurred as part of the privately funded Fram2 crewed mission, involving an entirely civilian crew.

The spacecraft will spend three to five days in space and is expected to land off the coast of California upon its return to Earth.

CNN reminds us that only one spacecraft has managed to get closer to the poles than others—the Soviet 'Vostok 6' in 1963. However, it flew at an inclination of 65 degrees, whereas the Crew Dragon aims for a 90-degree angle, meaning it will approach perpendicular to the equator.