A Pioneering Kite‑Ski Expedition for Polar Research
They did it! In exactly 80 days, French glaciologist Dr. Heidi Sevestre and polar explorer Matthieu Tordeur crossed inland Antarctica by kite‑ski, covering 4,000 km in extreme conditions, all in the service of science. Towing ground‑penetrating radars across the ice sheet, they collected unique data to better understand how Antarctic ice is melting, and how it will contribute to future sea‑level rise.
The AXA Foundation for Human Progress supported the Under Antarctica Expedition, alongside leading scientific and institutional partners. From the launch of this one-of-a-kind expedition on October 1 to their arrival at Union Glacier Base on January 21st , we have accompanied this mission, which combines cutting‑edge polar science with an innovative, low‑impact mode of exploration.
Mapping Ice‑Sheet Dynamics to Strengthen Climate Models
A New Way to Do Science in Extreme Environments
Under Antarctica is the first long‑distance kite‑ski expedition fully dedicated to polar science. Equipped with two ground‑penetrating radars, Heidi and Matthieu have surveyed the ice sheet along their route to:
Map ice layers and accumulation rates
Detect subglacial lakes and rivers
Reveal the topography of the bedrock beneath the ice
These unprecedented data will help scientists reconstruct how Antarctica has responded to past climate variations and refine projections of its future contribution to sea‑level rise. They will feed into climate and coastal‑impact models used to inform adaptation strategies in vulnerable coastal regions worldwide.
From Scientific Data to Education and Public Awareness
Beyond data collection, the expedition has a strong educational and outreach dimension. Through a dedicated school program and regular news from the field, more than 300 000 pupils have followed the journey in real time, learning about polar environments, climate change, and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.
A documentary scheduled for 2026 will further amplify the impact of this mission with a broader audience.
By supporting Under Antarctica, we accelerate the science of cryosphere and enable a new model of polar science: lighter and more sustainable.
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