Mission Spiritus
Alan Chambers MBE is a Polar Explorer and an Inspirational, Motivational and leadership speaker who led the first successful British unsupported expedition from Canada to the Geographic North Pole.
Alan is also the founder of Mission Spiritus which brings together the Planet – People – Purpose – Projects, through seven science-focused expeditions across the globe.
In partnership with Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, Mission Spiritus is advancing research into micro and nanoplastics in some of the world’s most remote environments – using exploration to turn scientific discovery into awareness, education and action. In September they launch its latest scientific expedition to Patagonia and Alan kindly sent us over some more details on the expedition
ABOUT THE EXPEDITION
Mission Spiritus, the pioneering environmental initiative combining science, exploration and education, is set to launch its latest scientific expedition to Patagonia from 8 September – 5 October 2026.
Led by renowned polar explorer and Mission Spiritus founder Alan Chambers MBE, alongside Operations Director Billy Perham, the expedition is the fourth of seven major science-led missions across the world’s continents, following successful expeditions to Antarctica (2023 – 24), Oman (2025) and the Faroe Islands (2025).
Working in partnership with scientists from Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, the team will venture into one of the world’s most remote glacial environments to continue research into the presence of micro and nano plastics.
Patagonia Expedition
The Mission Spiritus team will arrive in El Chaltén, Argentina, on 8 September, before beginning preparations for an expedition into Los Glaciares National Park and the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Working alongside an experienced local expedition team, the team will travel through remote mountain and glacial terrain, collecting up to 20 scientifically controlled snow samples from locations largely removed from major centres of human population.
The samples will subsequently be transported to the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory in New York for specialist analysis for evidence of micro and nano plastic pollution.
The expedition will present a formidable physical and logistical challenge, with the team operating for an extended period in a dynamic glacial environment where rapidly changing weather, difficult terrain and isolation demands resilience and teamwork.
Science Through Exploration
Mission Spiritus uses exploration to support scientific discovery, reaching remote and environmentally significant locations that conventional research can struggle to access.
Across seven planned global expeditions, Mission Spiritus aims to build understanding of the presence and distribution of micro and nano plastics, raise awareness of the reach of plastic pollution and inspire young people through exploration, environmental science and education. More information can be found on their website
If you interested in learning more about Alan Chambers and his speaking work please visit his webpage.