China’s research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, set off from Shanghai on on Friday Nov 5, marking the start of the Country’s 38th Antarctic expedition.
Hydrological, meteorological and environmental investigations in the South Pole, and monitoring of new pollutants such as microplastics and drifting garbage in the Antarctic Ocean will be carried out during this scientific expedition.
Xuelong will also carry supply and rotational staff to China’s Zhongshan Station (WAP CHN-Ø2) and Great Wall Station (WAP CHN-Ø1) in the region.
The first batch of 154 researchers on the ship will return to China in mid-April next year.
Thanks and credit to: http://english.www.gov.cn/news/photos/202111/06/content_WS6185d2abc6d0df57f98e4940.html and
The WW Ham Radio community has always searched QSOs with the Chinese Research Stations in Antarctica as a friendly way to mark the spirit of peace the Antarctic Treaty.
Several Countries have a Club station in their Antarctic Bases and for sure, Ham Radio is a wonderful way to test ionospheric propagation as a branch of the physical research. For us, Radioamateurs, a contact in HF (SSB or CW) with Antarctica is always s great goal!
… that’s to say that … we hope, one day or another, to make HF contacts , with at least one of the Chinese scientific Bases in Antarctica, operated by a Chinese Ham… that will be great!