On December 23, 2024, José Marcelo Salas Vela, a geodetic engineer and official of the Chilean National Directorate of Borders and Boundaries (DIFROL), began his participation at the Union Glacier Joint Polar Scientific Station. This marks the first time DIFROL has contributed a specialized technician to the collaborative work led by the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH), which extended the invitation to DIFROL. This mission also includes participation from the Aerophotogrammetric Service of the Chilean Air Force (SAF) and the Military Geographic Institute (IGM).

The primary objective of the mission is to advance cutting-edge geospatial research in Antarctica, leveraging state-of-the-art technology to develop high-precision cartography and monitor glacier displacement. This collaborative effort strengthens Chile’s leadership in scientific research and territorial management in one of the planet’s most strategic and challenging regions.

The Union Glacier Polar Station, located at coordinates 79° 46′ 10″ S and 82° 54′ 26″ W in the deep Antarctic, serves as a critical hub for polar science and international cooperation. Salas Vela’s participation underscores the importance of interdisciplinary work and the commitment of Chilean institutions to advancing science and ensuring the sustainability of this fragile ecosystem.