Two scientists from Kherson have joined the 31st Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition, which will operate at the «Akademik Vernadsky» station.
This was reported by the National Antarctic Scientific Center of Ukraine.
These are meteorologist Yana Lesna and meteorologist-ozonometrist Serhii Yakushchenko. They will work as part of the new team that will set off at the end of February 2026 for Galindez Island, where the Ukrainian Antarctic station is located.
In total, the 31st expedition includes 14 participants: nine scientists (four meteorologists, three biologists and two geophysicists) and five members of the life-support team — a system administrator, diesel-electrician, mechanic, female doctor and cook.
For the first time in the history of Ukrainian Antarctic missions, a woman will lead the expedition — meteorologist Anzhelika Hanchuk. The team consists of three women and eleven men, four of whom will travel to Antarctica for the first time. The youngest member is 23 years old, the oldest is 56.
The 31st expedition will replace the 30th Ukrainian Antarctic Expedition, which worked at the station for almost a year. The new team will carry out geophysical, meteorological and biological research, and will also ensure the uninterrupted operation of the station until April 2027.