Coventry-born explorer Mark Wood is gearing up to embark on an extraordinary journey across the Arctic, aiming to set a new world record for the longest solo science-based expedition.
Mark’s ‘Solo 100’ expedition covers over 1250 miles of Arctic terrain over the course of 100 days, beginning next week.
Beyond the thrill of breaking records, Mark’s mission holds a deeper purpose, to highlight the impacts of climate change and how it affects the fragile ecosystem by collecting over 100 samples of pure ice throughout his trek.
Six students from the University of Warwick have risen to the challenge, collaborating with Mark to design and create a power system tailored to withstand the harsh Arctic conditions.
The system is engineered to keep Mark’s essential equipment – including cameras, video recorders, and a satellite phone – charged throughout his journey.
One of the students involved in the project, Chris Leigh said: “It’s been a real challenge to create a power system that can charge all of Mark’s electronic equipment and is suitable to be used at such low temperatures in remote conditions.
“We decided that wind power was our best option and have spent months refining the design.
“We are wishing Mark the best of luck on his expedition.”
The power system, is crafted from carbon fibre and aluminium alloys, harnesses wind energy similar to a turbine and weighs just over 2kg ensuring minimal additional weight to Mark’s185kg sled.
Mark, a seasoned explorer with past expeditions to the Himalayas, Antarctica, and the Arctic, emphasised the significance of the innovative technology in his upcoming journey.
“This is the longest solo science-based expedition of all time, and this technology from Warwick’s students is integral to it.
“I hope Solo 100 can highlight the environmental damage we’re doing to the Arctic and inspire the next generation of adventurers and conservationists.”
As Mark prepares to embark on this historic expedition, supported by the ingenuity of Warwick’s engineering students, the world watches with anticipation, hoping that his journey will not only set a new record but also ignite a greater sense of urgency in addressing the challenges posed by climate change.
Mark said on the Solo100 podcast:
“My whole career has been around inspiring young minds to think differently about life, to have a respect for themselves and an equal respect for the plant.”
