In the 1950s, the Soviets came to Antarctica. As part of its contribution to the International Geophysical Year of 1957-1958, a global scientific jamboree, the Soviet Union began building research stations across the great southern land largely in areas claimed by Australia.
Amid heightened Cold War tensions, Australian officials were not pleased. Government records from the time reveal fears the Soviets might install defense infrastructure in Antarctica; then-minister for external affairs Richard Casey warned of missiles being launched on Sydney or Melbourne.
The Australian Antarctic Territory is vast: At approximately 6 million square kilometers (just shy of half of the