JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 26-year-old Jacksonville native and University of North Florida alumni will be joining Star Trek icon William Shatner, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, Apollo astronaut Charlie Duke, and former NASA astronaut Scott Kelly to document a trip to Antarctica aiming to highlight the “vital connection between Earth’s oceans and the cosmos.”
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Lee Giat, a Jacksonville-based filmmaker who is “making a name for himself in the fields of aerospace and science media,” was asked to document the “Voyage of Legends” expedition to Antarctica, according to Future of Space, which organized the trip.
“It is an absolute privilege and a huge responsibility,” said Giat. “The Antarctic landscape offers no shortage of stunning footage, but this is the first time we are witnessing so many aerospace legends embarking on something new together. That is a truly special opportunity, but a massive undertaking as well.”
In a press release, Future of Space says Giat recently premiered his directorial debut at the Kennedy Space Center, and in 2023, the filmmaker completed a 48-hour solo flight across the Caribbean and South America to “deliver educational resources to underserved communities.”
He also founded the media company Flying Ostrich Media.
The expedition, which will depart on Dec. 19, is intended to “foster dialogue on exploration, environmental stewardship, and global challenges.”
The mission aims to “highlight the connection between Earth’s oceans and the cosmos, with engaged discussions, explorations, and events designed to inspire a deeper understanding of Antarctic and space research.”
Other members joining the mission include award-winning journalist Ann Curry and former NASA astronaut José Hernández.