Jason Kesselring was 39 two years prior to filming, when he received his GED – a proud moment, especially given that his mother was a schoolteacher and his father a missile scientist. Jason had been estranged from his father, Robert Kesselring, for 32 years, and is eager to make up for lost time. When Kesselring offered to introduce Jason to his research and pass down his legacy, Jason eagerly accepted. He saw the expedition as an opportunity to reconnect with his father, and was looking forward to supporting him in whatever way he could.