Living on the edge: How to prepare for it?

Introduction Isolated, confined, and extreme (ICE) environments such as found at Antarctic, Arctic, other remote research stations are considered space-analogs to study the long duration isolation aspects of operational space mission conditions. Methods We interviewed 24 sojourners that participated in different short/long missions an Antarctic (Concordia, Halley VI, Rothera, Neumayer II) or non-Antarctic (e.g., MDRS, HI-SEAS) station polar treks, offering a unique insight based on first-hand information nature demands by ICE-personnel multiple levels functioning. conducted qualitative thematic analysis explore how were trained, prepared, they experienced ICE-impact function varieties environment, provided trainings, station-culture, type mission. Results The ICE-environment shapes impact organizational, interpersonal, individual working- living systems, thus influencing ICE-sojourners' Moreover, more specific training for operating these settings would be beneficial. identified pillars sensory deprivation, sleep, fatigue, group dynamics, displacement negative emotions, gender-issues along with coping strategies positivity, salutogenic effects, job dedication collectivistic thinking confirm previous literature. However, this work, we applied systemic perspective, assembling functioning ICE-environments. Discussion A approach could serve guide develop future preparatory ICE-training programs, including all involved parties crew system family, on-ground crew) attention organization- station-related subcultures risk unawareness about poor safety may occur location.