As the first-place winner of the 2024 GCSP Prize for Transformative Futures in Peace and Security, Victoria Valdivia has been recognized for her pioneering research at the intersection of space, Antarctica, and global security through her project Strategic Horizons. In this interview, she discusses her motivations, the impact of her experience at GCSP’s Creative Spark incubation programme, and her aspirations for enhancing international security in these rapidly advancing domains.

What is “Strategic Horizons: Exploring the Nexus of Space, Antarctica, and Global Security for Strategic Solutions in Challenging Times”?

This is a highly innovative social science research project that, for the first time, explores the intersection between space and Antarctic activities through three main avenues.

The first avenue focuses on sustainability, examining the accumulation of space debris at Point Nemo and its implications for Antarctic governance, extending to broader human security concerns. This includes assessing the potential environmental and geopolitical consequences of space debris in the Southern Ocean and its impact on Antarctic ecosystems and governance structures.

The second avenue investigates the convergence of space security, space safety, and international security, addressing critical gray areas. These include the humanitarian implications of counterspace actions, such as disruptions, degradations, or denials of space services that could jeopardize the operational safety of scientists working under the Antarctic Treaty framework. Additionally, this research explores ways to modernize cross-checking inspections of Antarctic research facilities to prevent the presence of counterspace capabilities within the continent. Given Antarctica’s unique geopolitical and geophysical characteristics, it serves as a critical point on Earth for ensuring a more secure and sustainable space operational environment. By preventing the emergence of counterspace activities in Antarctica, the likelihood of easily accessing and exploiting strategic regions, such as polar orbits, could be significantly reduced.

The third and equally important avenue focuses on capacity-building. To advance this goal, in collaboration with curriculum specialist Mg. Franco Orellana, we have developed the Stellar Polar Program—an educational training initiative designed to enhance literacy in key areas such as space and Antarctic governance, sustainability, international security, and other agenda topics that remain largely absent from public discourse. The lack of public awareness on these highly technical subjects contributes to a widening gap in political decision-making processes. Through our initiative, we aim to bridge this gap by engaging with citizens worldwide through accessible and interactive activities. These range from storytelling, such as Cosmos the Space Penguin, an educational tale and outreach initiative, to the development of our LMS (Learning Management System) platform, which provides children across the globe with the opportunity to learn and participate in this adventure alongside us.

Can you share the journey that led to your project's inception?

I can say that this project originated from a pivotal and challenging moment in my professional journey, where my involvement in Antarctic activities intersected with a tragic event. In the wake of a devastating accident in the Drake Passage that claimed the lives of 38 people, I came to realize the critical importance of a secure, resilient, and reliable space operational environment for conducting accurate and effective search, rescue, and recovery missions.

From that day forward, I began to reflect on the overlaps and gray areas between space activities and Antarctic operations—not only as an international relations professional and political scientist but also as a researcher and educator. My academic interest in this topic developed naturally, particularly in the governance dimension and its implications for international security and global stability.

Over the past two years, I have conducted research and presented initial findings on various topics, ranging from decision-making processes and state political behavior to emerging environmental concerns, such as the issue of space debris accumulation at Point Nemo. However, given the exploratory and cutting-edge nature of this research, it became necessary to establish this project to generate the evidence required to fully understand the significance of this intersection for international security.

In essence, this project was conceived as a means of contributing new knowledge to the international community, aiming to enhance decision-making processes, reduce uncertainty, and, in turn, improve the security and safety of both space and Antarctic activities. At its core, this initiative honors the memory of all those who tragically lost their lives in the Drake Passage in 2019—most especially my dear colleague, Claudia Manzo, the first Chilean female martyr of Antarctic science.

What did the award change for you in terms of recognition?

The award has opened new connections and helped bring attention to this emerging research avenue. It has also highlighted my work in this field, allowing me to share my expertise and perspectives with high-level professionals worldwide and in multilateral forums.

This recognition is particularly meaningful to me, as I am the first Latin American recipient of this award. Beyond advancing this project, it also serves to showcase the excellence and expertise that already exist in developing regions in the areas of innovation, future studies, and strategic affairs.

What can you say since you have incubated at the GCSP one month ago? (give concrete examples)

Since incubating at the GCSP a month ago, I have strengthened my network and expanded the visibility of my research on the intersection of space and Antarctic governance for international security. Here are some concrete examples of the impact so far:

New Collaborations – I have initiated discussions with experts in space security and international law from GCSP’s network, exploring joint research opportunities on controlled re-entries over Point Nemo and space sustainability frameworks, while also learning from their expertise, experience, research, and vision. Being based in Geneva during the incubation period has opened tangible opportunities for collaboration with international organizations and has also connected me with institutions in Europe and North Africa. For example, I participated as a panelist on space security at the AMESC Conference in Morocco, where I presented this project. Additionally, I attended the Space Security Conference at Chatham House in London and engaged in various local activities organized by GCSP. 

Policy Engagement – My participation has facilitated interactions with policymakers and security specialists, allowing me to contribute to discussions on space governance at multilateral forums. Having GCSP’s endorsement as the incubator for this research has been crucial in developing concrete outputs and proposing solutions to address the identified gaps and governance challenges in this emerging field.

Project Development – With GCSP’s support, I refined my research framework, particularly by aligning my Antarctic-Space Situational Awareness concept with broader security and policy discussions. Additionally, I developed the "Global Future Dialogue," a digital forum designed to bring together experts from both communities and enhance international debate on the emerging challenges of this convergence—its first edition will take place in the first semester of this year.

Furthermore, I defined the SASA Online Index, a groundbreaking tool that leverages information and technology to help the international community identify the volume of controlled re-entries occurring in or near Point Nemo.

Beyond research advancements, I have also strengthened my soft skills, increased my self-confidence, and gained greater trust in the significance of my work. Through this project’s development, I have discovered a wonderful community, and I am proud of the time we have shared.

Recognition & Outreach – The award and my time at GCSP have given greater credibility to my research, helping to highlight Latin American contributions to space and security discussions.

What is next for your project?

This is just the beginning. In the coming weeks, we will publicly launch our educational training course. We are excited about this opportunity and dream of making space and Antarctic knowledge truly accessible, contributing to the democratization of these fields.

Before the end of this semester, we will host the first Global Future Dialogue, the first dedicated forum bringing together space and Antarctic experts. This event will be crucial in identifying shared challenges, emerging risks, hazards, and threats across both communities. Conducting this dialogue as part of GCSP’s activities is particularly meaningful, as it will introduce the Latin American community to GCSP and highlight its critical role in promoting peace and international security.

By the end of the first semester, in collaboration with SurcIENCIA Editorial, we will release the second book in the Cosmos the Space Penguin series, addressing another pressing global agenda topic: the protection of dark and quiet skies. This is a significant initiative led by Chile at UNOOSA that impacts the global astronomical and scientific community, as well as the broader discussion on space operational safety and security.

In the second semester, we expect to launch the SASA Online Index, a key milestone for the project. This tool will provide essential data to support policy proposals, such as the creation of a dedicated agenda item or even the integration of UNISPACE with the upcoming International Polar Year—following the model of the International Geophysical Year, which ultimately led to the creation of the Antarctic Treaty and the Outer Space Treaty.

Additionally, we plan to conduct fieldwork in Antarctica by November. This on-site engagement is essential to refining situational awareness and raising consciousness about the space-Antarctic nexus among those working in the region. Field research is a critical step before proposing new measures under the Antarctic Treaty System.

Finally, we hope to conclude the year with the acceptance of a book proposal, summarizing the key findings of our research on space and Antarctic activities. This will allow us to continue moving forward in 2026 and, hopefully, contribute actively to the implementation of global solutions for pressing international challenges identified through this research.