AST Networks are proud to sponsor, for the second year running, an all-female group of climate scientists on their Before It’s Gone (BIG) expedition to the North Pole. The expedition will be headed by Felicity Aston, who has spent the last 25 years exploring the polar regions, beginning her career as a meteorologist posted in British Antarctic Survey research station on the Antarctic Peninsula. This sea ice research expedition will see the scientists ski approximately 110km to collect vital data and samples, to better understand climate change in the Arctic, specifically looking for black carbon and microplastics, which are both key markers of the impact humans are having on the world’s most remote and inhospitable locations. The team will set off on 10th December 21 from the UK, sailing from Ushuaia on 12th December and landing on the Peninsula 3 days later.
The team of scientists will ski across constantly moving sea ice, making navigation difficult and often treacherous, therefore reliable, and robust remote connectivity, is essential for the expedition’s success, and the teams safety. AST Networks will provide the team with Iridium Extreme Satphones and Iridium GO! Exec with an external antenna for the GO! The Iridium GO provided to the expedition is a satellite Wi-Fi hotspot that will allow the team to make calls and send/receive texts from their smartphone, as well as giving access to advanced data capabilities through optimised apps.
A bespoke airtime plan will also be provided to monitor the weather, communication within the team and contact home base throughout their mission. This will be an essential tool for navigation and to ensure their safety in the event of an emergency. Whilst in the past, satellite comms would have required heavy and bulky appliances, this is no longer the case. The handsets provided by AST are light and compact, without compromising on reliability and service.
The team consists of ten pioneering women and scientists, keen to learn as much as possible about the Arctic’s precious environment, before it’s gone.
Felicity said, “One of the biggest advantages modern day explorers have over the explorers of the past is satellites for communication and navigation. Today we can stay in communication with the world while at the very ends of the Earth. Satellite communications are our lifeline while skiing across some of the remotest and most inaccessible parts of the planet, so we need to know we have the best and most reliable technology – this is where the support of AST Networks is so vital. They have unrivalled experience in the industry, meaning we can trust their advice completely and have complete peace of mind in the knowledge that they will be there ready to support whatever the unexpected throws at us.
“The support of AST Networks in providing hardware and airtime also means that we will be able to share our experiences with those following our journey virtually. As opportunities to access the North Pole become ever fewer thanks to rapid and fundamental environmental change, sharing what we experience with immediacy becomes increasingly important.”
AST Networks are passionate about supporting scientific research that will positively affect the planet. “We are proud to be supporting the Before Its Gone Expedition.” Francisco Rosas, Head of Marketing commented. “Here at AST Networks, we understand the pressing importance of the scientific work undertaken by the group and the need to highlight this to the world. By providing robust and reliable remote connectivity solutions, we hope to not only support the expedition with a means of reliable communication, but also the opportunity to allow others to follow their journey and amplify the fantastic work they are doing.
You can follow their journey here.