After not getting permission to extend the stay in Sweden, Geophysica headed back to Russia without even getting the change to perform the planned EMC test. A huge disappointment for the science grew, the technical personal and for the staff at the Kiruna airport. But, in my eyes, a bigger disappointment than the missing science flights, was the aftermath. Accusations were thrown from all sides. It is easy to blame the Swedish officials without knowing the political history in the countries close to the boarder of Russia. I kinda understand the reaction from the Swedish officials, even if I don't support it. After all, science is not above politics. Scientists cannot set themselves above the national laws and political decissions. We serve the people, nothing more.
Photo by Ralf Weigel.