Introduction

In an unprecedented and heartfelt expedition, two Ukrainian soldiers, Valeriia Subotina and Mariia Chekh, recently embarked on a transformative journey to Antarctica, marking the beginning of "Space2Sea Antarctica," an initiative from the FUTURE of SPACE (FoS) program. This program aims to inspire human curiosity through the exploration of uncharted territories while celebrating the resilience and experience of individuals navigating extraordinary circumstances.

Background of the Expedition

After spending years on the front lines defending their homeland against Russia's ongoing invasion—including a harrowing year spent in captivity—Subotina and Chekh took a break from the intensity of war to engage with the wonders of Antarctica. Their expedition, filled with breathtaking views of glaciers and lively encounters with wildlife, also allowed them to mingle with high-profile personalities, including "Star Trek" legend William Shatner and renowned astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

Personal Ambitions

This journey was more than a vacation; it was a lifelong ambition for both women. Subotina, during the siege of the Azovstal steel plant in Mariupol, had even penned an email from the front lines to researchers at the Vernadsky Research Base, expressing her hope to visit should she survive the conflict. "Planning for the long term signals we will not give up," she shared on board the expedition cruise, echoing the profound sentiment of hope in the face of adversity.

Chekh, initially dreaming of a research position at Vernadsky in 2016, found her path altered when she enlisted in the army, prompting her to abandon that goal. The Vernadsky Research Base operates in one of the planet's most isolated and valuable research environments—it is a cornerstone for global climate data collection, maintaining daily atmospheric readings since the 1940s.

Impact of War on Research

However, the war's impact has been felt even in this remote location. The base faced communication outages last year after a Russian missile attack disrupted its support center in Kyiv, and many of its researchers have enlisted in the armed forces. Currently, 14 scientists continue to operate at the base—showcasing their dedication to science amidst the turmoil.

Organizing the Expedition

The expedition was organized with the intent to provide Ukrainian veterans a glimpse of peace and serenity far removed from conflict. Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly played a pivotal role in advocating for such opportunities, collaborating closely with organizations like United24, which promotes support for Ukraine on an international scale. "Democracy is at stake everywhere; losing it in one place is a threat to all," Kelly emphasized, drawing attention to the global implications of the war.

Contrasting Emotions

For both soldiers, stepping into the tranquil wonders of Antarctica elicited contrasting emotions. "I feel at home," Chekh remarked, embracing the pristine ice and marine life surrounding her. In contrast, Subotina, while awestruck by Antarctica's beauty, struggled to distract herself from thoughts of her fellow soldiers back in Ukraine. "I miss my brothers and sisters in arms. A lot of Ukraine is in danger, and I can't be calm," she confessed.

Unexpected Challenges

Although the trip was full of extraordinary moments, a scheduled visit to Vernadsky had to be canceled due to inclement weather conditions. Despite their disappointment, Chekh humorously stated her willingness to swim there if necessary, reflecting their determination to reach their dream destination in the future once the war subsides.

Documentary Screening and Discussion

To commemorate their experiences, the expedition featured a screening of "20 Days in Mariupol," a poignant documentary capturing the start of the war, followed by a discussion panel with the soldiers, moderated by Kelly.

Impact and Future Plans

The journey left a significant impact on Chekh, who plans to document her experiences and amplify global awareness about the realities of war and resilience. "This trip showed me I am ready to return to civilian life and embrace art, science, and nature—what we are fighting for," she remarked, highlighting the hope that continues to endure amid the chaos.

Conclusion

Stay tuned for more incredible stories of resilience and exploration as we follow the journeys of those who continue to fight for their dreams against all odds.