Introduction

In a groundbreaking initiative, the first leg of the Space2Sea Antarctica expedition has delivered an extraordinary experience for two Ukrainian soldiers, Valeriia Subotina and Mariia Chekh. This venture, spearheaded by FUTURE of SPACE (FoS), melds the thrill of earth’s unexplored landscapes with the indomitable spirit of human exploration. Student journalist Gabe Castro-Root from American University is documenting their journey for FoS, offering a glimpse into their unique story against a backdrop of conflict.

Their Journey

As of early 2025, Subotina and Chekh will find themselves back in the tumult of war, having dedicated much of the past three years to defending their homeland against Russian aggression, which included a year in captivity endured by some harrowing fates. Yet, from December’s frigid embrace in Antarctica, they have stepped forth into a world vastly different from the chaos they know—a world filled with penguins, majestic glaciers, and interactions with notable figures like actor William Shatner and renowned astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson.

A Lifelong Aspiration

Antarctica, and notably Ukraine's Vernadsky Research Base, represented a lifelong aspiration for both women. In a touching turn of fate, during the desperate sieges in Mariupol’s Azovstal steel plant, Subotina managed to contact researchers at the Vernadsky base via email, expressing her hope to visit should she survive the overwhelming odds of war.

"Planning for the future signifies resilience; it means we will not concede defeat," Subotina shared during an interview aboard their expedition vessel, her sentiments echoing a profound commitment to life and dreams even amidst adversity.

A Complicated Journey

Chekh, who initially had dreams of working at Vernadsky back in 2016, found those aspirations sidelined by her enlistment in the army.

The Vernadsky Research Base is not just another isolated science outpost; it has been vital in gathering crucial climate data, diligently monitoring atmospheric ozone levels and other environmental indicators since the 1940s. The war, however, has cast a shadow over its operations, marking a stark contrast between the serenity of Antarctica and the horrors of conflict. Symbolically, communication channels to the base were severed for a time due to attacks on Ukrainian scientific installations.

Support from the Community

Former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly played a pivotal role in championing the expedition for Ukrainian veterans, aligning with United24, a Ukrainian governmental effort to garner international support. Kelly, who himself took Russian lessons for decades, understands the stakes involved: "If we lose democracy anywhere, it's a threat to democracy everywhere," he articulated, underscoring the essential ties between global freedom and Ukraine’s struggle.

Emotional Reactions

The emotional journey to Antarctica has brought different feelings for the two soldiers. Chekh expressed delight, feeling connected to the icy landscape and ocean life of her surroundings. In contrast, Subotina found beauty in the scenery but struggled to distance herself from the worries of her fellow soldiers back home.

Challenges Faced

Despite the faith-testing adventures along the Antarctic coastline, adversity struck when a planned visit to Vernadsky was thwarted by treacherous weather conditions. The two stood poised to navigate to the base on another ship until duties back home called them back. "I would have swum there if I could," Chekh exclaimed, highlighting their unwavering commitment to a dream still unrealized.

Ties to Home

On the day they were meant to visit Vernadsky, a documentary chronicling the onset of the war, “20 Days in Mariupol,” was screened aboard the vessel, followed by a panel discussion featuring the two soldiers and moderated by Kelly, merging their tales of war with untouched beauty.

Looking Forward

Post-expedition, Subotina plans to return to the battlefield, while Chekh will remain in Kyiv, hoping to start a family, as her husband, also a soldier, is set to return home soon. Chekh has ambitions of crafting a film narrating her experiences, aiming to shine a light on Ukraine’s pressing struggles. "The journey reminded me of the joys that predated the war: art, science, and the splendor of nature," she conveyed passionately, reinforcing the broader vision—of a democratic Ukraine where personal aspirations can flourish free of conflict.

Conclusion

As the world watches, the story of Subotina and Chekh serves as an inspiring testament to resilience, demonstrating that even amidst the bleakest battles, hope and dreams can emerge like the brilliant lights of the Antarctic sun. The expedition not only underscores the strength of the human spirit but also evokes a call to rally behind those striving for peace and dignity in Ukraine. Stay tuned for more updates as these extraordinary women continue to redefine their purpose in a world fraught with challenges!