Although I came to Antarctica for science, choosing to overwinter in Antarctica is ultimately a personal journey: Only in the deepest, darkest depths of the Antarctic winter can you find answers to questions you would otherwise never think of or choose to face. You dredge the ocean’s depths of your own mind. It is easier on your body than on your mind, even at 3,800 meters equivalent altitude, having run out of fresh food and living without sunlight for over three months. In overcoming the many challenges during the long polar night, you learn things about yourself that you may not like. A real test of your character and those around you is how you choose to deal with such challenges.

Our future in space is robots exploring the solar system (and there is much to explore) and NOT humans traveling to Mars. Our national policies should reflect that.