Alfred-Faure or Port Alfred is a permanent French Scientific Station on Possession Island  of the subantarctic Crozet Archipelago in the South Indian Ocean.

Crozet and Kerguelen Islands are French territory in the Indian Ocean and are part of Terres Australes et Antarctiques Francaises (TAAF)

There are many islands that are a part of the Crozet Islands such as: Île aux Cochons (Pig Island), Île des Pingouins (Penguin Island), Îlots des Apôtres (Apostle Islets), Grande Île (Big Island), Île de la Possession (Possession Island), Île de I’Est (East Island).  The Crozet Plateau is divided in two island groups, separated by a 2 km deep Indivat Basin.

Eastern island group includes: Ile de la Possession, the largest Crozet Island, and Ile de l’Est (East).

The Western islands include the small stratovolcano of Ile aux Cochons (Hog Islands), and the reefs of Iles des Pingouins (Penguins) and Iles des Apotres (Apostle Islet).  They are 120 km West of the eastern group.

The two largest and oldest islands, Possession and Est are on the eastern portion.  The rest of the islands are on the other side of the Indivat Basin.  The western set of islands appear to be newer, with a major structural feature thought to be a submarine volcano 30 km E of Ile aux Cochons.  The crust in the western portion is quite thick at 16.5 km, thinning to 10 km east of the Basin.

Permanent occupation with a Scientific Station, is dated from 1963.  The 20 small mountainous islands of Crozet are a French territory and are uninhabited except for scientific personnel and penguins.  Home to seals, King Penguins and other birds, Crozet is designated a “National conservation area” by France.

The mostly barren island is subject to low temperatures and long winters. The island climate is mitigated somewhat by maritime influences.  The inland plateaus are barren and rocky. Steep cliffs drop to sealevel on the coasts.

The unglaciated islands were discovered and claimed for France by a French explorer in 1772.  Their abundant population of seals soon drew the interest of sealers, who managed to nearly wipe out seal populations of Crozet and neighboring Kerguelen islands by 1835, after which the French seal trade was replaced by American whalers.  Overfishing in recent years led the French to declare an exclusive economic zone around their islands in this part of the world in 1978.  Today, the French Navy patrols the zone.

The French Polar Institute is in charge of 38 Refuges or isolated sites in Kerguelen (mostly WAP FRA-Ø4 Port Aux Francais and WAP FRA-Ø5 Port Jeanne d’Arc), 3 in Crozet and 2 on Amsterdam Island (WAP FRA-Ø3).

The “Little Chapel” on Crozet Island (officially named Notre Dame des Oiseaux) is a small, cubic wooden church located in front of the permanent station Alfred Faure Research Base (WAP FRA-Ø2) on Possession Island. Built in 1984, it serves as a remote sanctuary for overwintering researchers and features a memorial plaque for lost sailors.

The Southern Aurora Donga (or ‘SAD‘) is a historic accommodation building at the Australian Antarctic Division’s Macquarie Island Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø8).

This “Donga” (temporary, moveable dwelling) provides sleeping quarters for expeditioners in a remote, Sub-Antarctic environment. Known as “The Beach House” or SAD, it was erected in 1958, serving as one of the station’s older accommodation units.

.

In 2026, hard work has been done in upgrading expeditioner accommodation at Macquarie Island Research Station as part of the Macquarie Island Station Project, including upgrading bedrooms, re-cladding, and improving amenities at its structure.

The bedrooms and bathrooms have been renovated, and the building has been covered with new fabric, giving the SAD a completely new look and feel. Approximately 24 people live at the station during the winter, supporting scientific monitoring, maintaining vital infrastructure, and caring for the health and well-being of the Team.

These upgrades will help ensure personnel having a more comfortable place to live and work in one of the world’s most remote environments..

Structure itself consists of small, roughly 2×2 meters individual, or shared, sleeping cubicles, and is part of a series of buildings on the station that includes Cumpston Cottage, built in 1996..

 

Thanks and credit to:  Ausantarctic & AAD

 

 

The Ross Island Earth Station (RIES) is located on a hill overlooking the road between McMurdo Station and Scott Base at 77° 50.89′ South, 166° 40.11′ East. It was constructed in 2021-22 at T-Site (Transmitter Site) on the volcanic rock of the Hut Point Peninsula, about 1.5 km North of McMurdo Station and 3 km Northwest of New Zealand’s Scott Base.
McMurdo Station (US) and Scott Base (NZ) are Antarctic research stations, both located on the Hut Point Peninsula.

 

The area was selected specifically because it is an electromagnetically quiet and clean area suitable for sensitive upper atmospheric equipment.

This communication satellite dish replaced the dishes located at Black Island, approximately 20 miles from McMurdo.

Hut Point Peninsula (77°47′South 166°51′East) is a long, narrow peninsula from 2 to 3 nautical miles (3.7 to 5.6 km; 2.3 to 3.5 mi) wide and 15 nautical miles (28 km; 17 mi) long, projecting south-west from the slopes of Mount Erebus on Ross Island, Antarctica.

 

In 2022 the Ross Island Earth Station (RIES) satellite telecommunications center was completed near McMurdo Station, which supports satellite communications for the base.

Completed in April 2022, it serves as a cornerstone of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) communications infrastructure.

It provides high-speed satellite links via geosynchronous (GEO) orbit, facilitating massive scientific data transfers, operational logistics, and internet services for station personnel.

Scientific Support: The station aids in global weather forecasting and storm tracking by transmitting atmospheric data collected on-site.

To survive Antarctic extremes, the large satellite dish is housed within a protective radome (a spherical weather-resistant enclosure).

Situated on the Hut Point Peninsula of Ross Island, it offers a direct line of sight to satellites that were previously more difficult to access from other locations on the continent.

While Black Island remains operational, the Ross Island Earth Station significantly increases bandwidth and provides a more reliable, direct connection to the global telecommunications grid.

Read more at: https://sam.gov/opp/699aea1766d17df2398adc152253aac3/view

Also: https://www.mcmurdostation.com/2122/antenna.html

Timelapse of the construction at:  https://www.facebook.com/reel/666848134606610

 

Ross Island Earth Station (RIES), at 77° 50.89′ South, 166° 40.11′ East, Hut Point Peninsula, Ross Island, Antarctica, will be add on WAP-WADA Directory as WAP USA-NEW

WAP has chosen the postcards that according to our opinion, best represented the last 2026 edition of the AAW.

Let us congratulate François Berger F8DVD, that since 2005 has never lost a single participation and, since then, joins regularly to the Antarctic Activity Week, always showing up a new design of his QSL.

 

For the 2026 edition, François got a brand new special callsign, well explained on the rear side of his card: TM23AAW (WAP-358) is a special call issued for the 23th Antarctic Activity Week which took place during February 2026. The picture shows the Australian Davis Base. Davis is the most southerly Australian Antarctic Station situated on the Ingrid Christensen Coast of Princess Elizabeth Land. The station is about 20 km from the edge of the continental ice sheet (68°34’S, 77°58’E).

QSL for TM23AAW, via bureau or direct to: François Bergez, 6, rue de la Liberté, 71000 Macon, France.

.

 

The second one is II1SR & II1SR/P (WAP-363) operated by Gabriele Rocchi IK1NEG.

II1SR is a tribute to Renato Cepparo I1SR who 50 years ago, leading a private expedition, built the first Italian research station in Antarctica, naming it after Giacomo Bove, an Italian explorer.

2026 marked the 50th anniversary (1976-2026), and II1SR was the special callsign used during the 23rd edition of the AAW to commemorate him.
23^rd Antarctic Activity Week did overlap the Imperia (Italy) Antarctic Meeting where II1SR/P was active from the Naval Museum, that’s why the /P.
HF contacts have been made using the original Swan 700CX equipment of Renato Cepparo at the time of building the Italian Giacomo Bove Base, therefore the meaning that, this activity takes on, 50 years later, has a unique historical importance.

QSL for II1SR & II1SR/P via bureau or direct to:

Gabriele Rocchi, Via Argine Destro 303/13, 18100 Imperia (IM), Italy

Two days ago, Mehdi F5PFP one of the well known  most contemporary Antarctic enthusiast, posted the announcement of the Facebook page of Polar DX Group:  (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1961114967367742?locale=it_IT) 
Here below the original msg. 
Tickets For Sale: For a 4 weeks Antarctic cruise in early 2027 aboard a durable and accredited sailing boat, with a very experienced skipper and mate; my girlfriend who’s a doctor and myself, that means in total 4 to 5 passengers and 2 crew members. This is not a DX-pedition, it is an Antarctic cruise including radio amateur activities during various stopovers.
ITINERARY:
1) Departure from Puerto Williams, Navarino island, Chile.
2) A stopover on the South Shetland islands if sailing conditions permit to activate some bases.,
3) A navigation along the West Graham Land and neighbouring Antarctic archipelagos according to passengers wishes with radio amateur activities when we stop on various islands, bases and refuges. Except during the crossings of the Drake and Bransfield straits we go ashore almost every day.
4) A possible new stopover on the South Shetland islands, on the way back from Antarctica, if sailing conditions permit.
5) Back to Puerto Williams, Navarino island, Chile.

CONDITIONS:
No need to be an amateur radio operator to join us; being in good physical shape; completely approve the project and its price.

AMATEUR RADIO ACTIVTY:
Mainly QRV after daily navigation and landing from +/- 22:00 utc to +/- 03:00 utc on 20 and 40m. This will be an old-school style and freelance radio amateur activity, so no FT8/digital modes, no sponsor to be free, no score to acheive because i have nothing to prove, just an adventure to live. If this is not not what you want for any reason, please don’t contact me.

IN ATTACHMENT:
A few photos to feel the atmosphere of the Antarctic peninsula (FT5YJ &FT5YK) and 2 videos of Sir Ernst another french sailing boat that sailed on the same zone. The movies mostly show “swiming pool” conditions but they can also be “rock & roll”.
https://youtu.be/zPuUVumIzUQ?si=wxhFGQxvi9EGtDmG
and
https://youtu.be/f_sz_HtY7Ss?si=2-VTOhnbceDRrqPh

TAKE NOTE: Anything may happen until the last minute, like a new pandemic, an accident or some other bad events, that’s why I promise nothing. However, if no serious problem arises before departure, with or without new passenger, we’re going!
Contact: f5pfp@sfr.fr
73 F5PFP

Hanging a WAP Award on the wall of the Ham radio shack is not a gesture of vanity  but it’s the real acknowledgment of years of Ham radio passion: the continuous search of difficult contacts in remote areas of the planet. 
For enthusiasts, for pure DXers, QSOs with Antarctica are undoubtedly the maximum expression of professional skill of an Old Timer!

We are happy to congratulate Augustyn SP6BOW for achieving his goal and thanks to the editorial staff of the Polish Ham Radio Magazine for the publication on its May-June 2026 issue.

Augustyn SP6BOW wrote:
«So, I am now the proud recipient and possessor of your valuable WAP-WADA Award, and this brings me great joy.
I would like to inform you that my award is featured in our Polish Magazine for Radio Amateurs and Radio Friends. I also wrote a comprehensive article about the WAP-WADA award and its detailed regulations. The editors were very pleased with it. I hope it will also be of interest to our colleagues in Poland. I am attaching a photo for you to view.
Best regards and I wish you good health.
73, de Augustyn SP6BOW

Congrats Augustyn,  you did great! TNX from the WAP staff!

The Australian Antarctic Program successfully completed a landmark two-voyage campaign to the remote Heard Island (WAP AUS-Ø7) and McDonald Islands (WAP AUS-NEW) in early 2026, marking the first comprehensive study of the World Heritage-listed territory in 20 years.

The project, utilizing the icebreaker RSV Nuyina, focused on critical climate research, wildlife monitoring, including checks for H5 bird flu, and environmental cleanup.

Scientists monitored glaciers, conducted wildlife assessments on seals and seabirds, and investigated the impact of H5 bird flu on local populations. The teams installed an Automated Weather Station, an autonomous remote environment monitoring system (Arteimus) at Atlas Cove, and a sea level monitoring camera system at Magnet Point, which transmits data via Starlink. The mission included comprehensive marine mapping, environmental DNA (eDNA) sampling, and the removal of rubbish from the remote sites. The campaign consisted of two major voyages, with the first in October 2025 and the second in January 2026, supported by a $17.6 million investment in marine science.

The HIMI islands, located roughly (4,000km southwest of Australia, are crucial for studying climate change impacts on pristine, sub-Antarctic ecosystems, including Australia’s only active volcanoes and glaciers. The campaign’s findings will help to inform future management of the surrounding Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI)

Thanks and Credit to: AAD

China operates five research stations in Antarctica:
Great Wall (WAP CHN-Ø1), established on Feb 20, 1985, on Fildes Peninsula, King George Island.
Zhongshan (WAP CHN/Ø2), opened on Feb 26, 1989, in the Larsemann Hills, Prydz Bay.
Kunlun (WAP CHN-NEW), established on Jan 27, 2009, at Dome A (the highest point in Antarctica).
Taishan (WAP CHN-NEW), opened on Feb 8, 2014, located between Zhongshan and Kunlun.
Qinling (WAP CHN-NEW), officially opened on Feb 7, 2024, on Inexpressible Island, Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea.

.

Three of these stations: Great Wall (WAP CHN-Ø1, Zhongshan (WAP CHN-Ø2), and Qinling (WAP CHN-NEW) are equipped for year-round operations, while Kunlun and Taishan are seasonal Summer Stations.

.

These five Stations support year-round and summer-only scientific research, with the newest, Qinling, will now enter on WAP-WADA Directory as CHN-NEW.

.

The Antarctic Qinling Station, China’s fifth research station in Antarctica, commenced operations on February 7, 2024. The station is located at 74°56′04″South, 163°42′55″East.

.

.

Qinling Station, the newest of China’s five Antarctic research outposts, is now fully equipped to support overwintering expeditions, following the completion of the main missions of the Country’s 41st Antarctic expedition. See: https://www.cctvplus.com/news/2025040

In March 2025 China announced plans of its intentions to build its sixth Antarctic Station, for summer research, at Cox Point (74°57’South, 136°41’West) in Marie Byrd Land, West Antarctica.

South Georgia big efforts are going on for the announced VPØSG South Georgia 2027 DXpedition.

By now let us enjoying a very fresh envelope stamped and cancelled at King Edward Point, South Georgia, kindly sent by our friend Independent Polar Researcher and Antarctic Ambassador Volker DL8JDX who has been on board the M/S Hamburg, a cruise ship sailing the Antarctic waters.

Even if the exact location where the expedition will set the base camp, has not been yet announced, any of the known rare WAP references of South Georgia are welcome!
So far, down there, we have: Station “BI” Bird Island (WAP GBR-23), King Edward Point (WAP GBR-24), Husvik (WAP GBR-27), Spenceley Glacier Camp (WAP GBR-28) and Grytviken (WAP GBR-29), Leith Harbour Station (WAP GBR-41) plus  other 6 new ones (WAP GBR_NEW): Gothul, Maiviken, Ocean Harbour, Prince Olav Harbour, Rosita Harbour and Stromness Station, so it’s quite possible that VPØSG will operate from one of those listed sites. Let’s see what the future will deserve to the Antarctic hunters!

Here below a 20 min video will tell what‘s in the works.

Of course, VPØSG South Georgia DXpedition 2027 is an ambitious effort to activate one of the most wanted DXCC entities; 14-operator team, the M/V Meredian, and six rotating operators on the island running multiple stations are expected.
TNX Volker DL8JDX

On April 15, 1922, the Quest arrived at Leith Harbour (WAP GBR-41), South Georgia, marking the effective end of the Shackleton–Rowett Expedition after Frank Wild attempted to continue following Sir Ernest Shackleton’s death on January 5. The crew, led by Wild, spent two weeks in South Georgia for repairs and to honor Shackleton, who was buried at Grytviken (WAP GBR-29) on March 5, 1922.

Despite Shackleton’s death, Frank Wild was determined to “carry on,” as he described in his diaries, trying to fulfill the expedition’s objectives. The ship returned to the island to rest, repair, and pay final respects to “The Boss”. While at Leith Harbour (WAP GBR-41) and Stromness (WAP GBR-NEW), the crew, including Leonard Hussey and Frank Worsley, erected a stone cairn with a wooden cross on Hope Point in memory of Shackleton.

The Quest eventually left South Georgia on May 8, 1922, heading back to England, arriving in Plymouth on September 16, 1922.

The Shackleton’s ‘Quest’ Expedition was later viewed as a significant, though truncated, expedition that collected important scientific and geological data in the South Atlantic.

The Antarctic Heritage Trust (https://www.facebook.com/Antarctic.Heritage.Trust) post on this day highlights the emotional end of the expedition and the crew’s dedication to honoring their fallen leader.

In 2014, China established a second inland summer station, Taishan Camp (WAP CHN-NEW), located about halfway along the traverse between Zhongshan and Kunlun Stations. The purpose of this station was both logistical and scientific, with a focus on glaciology, meteorology, and space physics. The following year, 2015, CHINARE (Chinese Antarctic Program) put into service its Snow Eagle 601 Basler aircraft (reengineered around a World War II airframe) and launched an array of three polar observation satellites as part of its CubeSat mission.

Situated on the inland ice sheet at an altitude of 2,621 meters, it lies about 520 km from Zhongshan Station (WAP CHN-Ø2) and 715 km from Kunlun Station (WAP CHN-NEW).

.

.

The Antarctic Taishan Station (aka Taishan Camp) at 73°51′50″South, 76°58′27″East in Princess Elizabeth Land in East Antarctica, is China’s second Antarctic inland Summer Research Station completed on February 8, 2014. by the 30th Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE 30).

After 45 days of hard work, Taishan Station looks like a traditional Chinese lantern. Construction of it began in December 2013. The 28 strong-team braved temperatures as low as minus 40 degrees celsius, snowstorms, and high-altitude conditions to build the station.

It can house as many as 20 people and will be used as a Scientific Research Station during the Antarctic summers, lasting from December to March.

Teams based there, will provide logistical support and study the area’s geology, glaciers, geo-magnetism and atmosphere

A magnitude 6.6 earthquake was recorded Thursday night (Mar. 19^th6,  2026) in the Antarctic region, approximately 998 kilometers from Ushuaia and near Base Presidente Eduardo Frei (WAP CHL-Ø5), in Chilean territory.

The quake occurred around 9:22 p.m., according to monitoring data and the bulletins from various WW Seismological monitoring sources which also reported a slightly higher preliminary magnitude and located the epicenter 173 kilometers northeast of the base.

The event triggered a rapid response from emergency agencies, which assessed potential risks along the coastline. However, the Chilean Navy’s Hydrographic and Oceanographic Service (SHOA) ruled out the possibility of a tsunami, indicating that the necessary conditions for its generation were not present.

.

So far, no damage has been reported, nor has it been confirmed whether the earthquake was felt at the Bases located in Antarctica.

Denney George VU2DGR , signing AT44I has been the Communication Officer at Bharati Station (WAP IND-Ø4) from December 8, 2024, through March 2, 2026; a full 44 ISEA Summer + Winter and 45 ISEA Summer, finalizing a real long journey in Antarctica!
We have got a brief contact with Denney while he was stopping by at Maitri Station (WAP IND-Ø3): «My expedition is over and I’m coming back to India. I’m actually near Maitri Station, weather is -7°C at Queen Maud Land. Great experience for me and for the 24 winter Members living and working at Bharati; a unique and positive opportunity.
Unfortunately, no Hams at Bharati nor at Maitri on next Indian Antarctic Campaign and I’m pleased to have giveng many DXers and Antarctic chasers a chance to log IND-Ø4.
On my free time, I was “On air” and today I’m proud to have made contacts with 105 Countries, so now, on the way back home, I can say to have done my best with only 100W and a wire dipole! »

.

Denney will be home in India by the first week of April.

.

.

QSL for AT44I have to be requested direct to VU2DGR (No Buro) to:
Denney George
Kizhakkemala Kizhakkethil, Kunnam P.O
Mavelikara Alappuzha KERALA 690108, India

TNX AT44I-VU2DGR

Argus, the icebreaker, is named after the giant in Greek mythology. The ship is maneuverable and a robust and reliable icebreaker.

I/B Argus is on his way back from Bouvet after the great 3YØK expedition where the Team of 15, was active from Cape Fie (WAP NOR-14).
“There were rumors (WAP has been received queries about that info) of possible two Camps on the island but, it has been made clear that there was only one Camp and it was at Cape Fie in the South Eastern side of Bouvet Island.”

Well now the Team is onboard of the Polar Vessel heading South Africa (ETA 21 Febr.) .

Several members of the 3Y0K expedition are QRV aboard signing their own call signs. Yesterday Febr. 17, attentive DX hunters have got a chance to log several of them working CW on 10 mts. with good signals: N4ML/MM, LA7GIA/MM, LB5SH/MM and HAØNAR/MM are in the log.
On Febr. 16, OY1R/MM was also reported active on SSB! There are few days left before they reach their final destination, so don’t miss the opportunity to work a “New Polar Ship” for your WAP score and some others  operators /MM!

ARGUS,  68 mts long, 9 mts wide (IMO:7104752, MMSI:219226000, Call sign: OVZW2) built in 1971, is sailing under the flag of Denmark.

WAP Antarctic Bulletin nr. 311 is online at: https://www.waponline.it/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WAP-Bull_311.pdf 

Download it … it’s free!

Inside, the latest news from Antarctica, who’s on air, who’ll be on air soon, and active Stations. WAP Antarctic Bulletin is a useful tool for Hams and enthusiasts of the White Continent.

.

.

TNX Max IK1GPG & Betty IK1QFM

DX-pedition of the year in a very rare spot in the Sub Antarctic: Bouvet Island, one of the most wanted DXCC among WW Ham Radio. The big guns have already worked 3YØK on several Bands and Modes and now a question arise: “Where on the island they did set the two camps?”

A Spot posted by the Team on March 3, 2026 reports: -Team 3Y0K is already active from the Island at the two Base Camps-.
Among the information received it seems that one camp is for North America (North America Camp?) and one for the rest of the world. Both camps are safe and secure with 8 tents in total. One camp is located at the NA focus location.

In addition, the pics on the web show both Camps but so far nobody has mentioned about the exact location. (see the pics aside)

Another question that arose from the Hams/ Antarctic Chasers:   «How can we know which of the two camps we have worked?»

Yes 2 camps on Bouvet Island is a fantastic opportunity, perhaps they could be 2 “New WAP References” but to know that, we must know the name of the 2 Camps and their exact location (Latitude and Longitude).

Eventually a Map of Bouvet Island showing the location of the two camps might be helpful.

In the lack of information, 3YØK will be consider just as WAP NOR-Ø2, but QRX for a while, maybe we can get  more details soon!

On February 22, 1968, the year-round Soviet Polar Station Bellingshausen began operating in West Antarctica, 58 years since then!

King George Island, part of the South Shetland Islands group, one of the most picturesque regions of Antarctica, was chosen for the construction of the station. The Station’s employees still carry out geographical, geological and biological studies of the Ice Continent. However, in the past, the number of winterers exceeded the current number of employees: 8 year-round personnel and 5 seasonal specialists.

The first wooden houses built here were designed for 20 people. And already in the 70s, wooden houses were replaced with more reliable aluminum buildings. During the same period, a powerful radio center appeared at the station, which served not only scientists, but also the fishing fleet in the southern Pacific and Atlantic Oceans.

By the end of the 80s, the station already employed 28 year-round personnel. In the summer, 25 more scientists joined them. But in the 90s, funding was reduced, and the Bellingshausen Station (WAP RUS-Ø1) operated in the format of a seasonal field station.

It was only in 1997 that the Government again allocated funding for the implementation of the Russian Antarctic Expedition (RAE). Thanks to this, Russia has maintained its geopolitical presence in Antarctica, and its scientific human resources have been saved.

.

.

At the same time, the geographical location and climatic conditions of the Station allow scientists to carry out a number of unique scientific research. For example, during the wintering period, observations on meteorology, atmospheric physics, coastal hydrology, biology, ecology are carried out there, as well as satellite images are being received to analyze the development of drifting ice in Antarctica.

.

In January 2020, a monument to Thaddeus Bellingshausen was unveiled on the shores of King George Island at the Russian Station, to whom it is named

.

.

..

.

In the mid 1990s, Patriarch Alexius II of Moscow gave his blessing for this audacious project. The church was constructed in Russia and transported by a supply ship to its present location. One or two monks from Troitse-Sergiyeva Lavra, considered the most important Russian monastery as it is the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church, volunteer to man the church year-round.

While most of the buildings on this continent are built to hug the ground to reduce their exposure to the polar wind, this church proudly stands 15 meters tall. It is a wooden structure constructed from Siberian pine and carved in the traditional Russian style by master carpenters of Altay.

.

.

February 15, 2004:

.
The Holy Trinity Church at the Russian Bellingshausen Station in Antarctica was consecrated.
Located on a rocky hill near the Bellingshausen Station, making it the southernmost Eastern Orthodox church in the world.  The 15-meter-tall Holy Trinity Church, constructed from Siberian pine and cedar to withstand extreme polar conditions, was built to serve the Russian Orthodox community and to honor the Russian polar explorers.

On Saturday, February 21st, starting at 3:00 PM, the city of Imperia did celebrate an  Antarctic Day at the Auditorium of Naval Museum , featuring the Cepparo  HF expedition radio equipment.

The 1975 expedition to Antarctica was the first private Italian mission to the white Continent, carried out during the austral summer of 1975-76 aboard the Norwegian ship Rig Mate, by Renato Cepparo signing I1SR. Its purpose was to conduct scientific research (geological, mountaineering, and underwater) and establish the Giacomo Bove Base (the first Italian base).

Four speakers took turns presenting the day:

Dr. Fabio Baio – Geologist.
Six expeditions to Antarctica, where he supervised the technological aspects of permafrost drilling. He collaborates primarily with the University of Insubria and the University of Milan. He is an expert on the 1975/76 Cepparo Expedition, of which he has preserved numerous documents, as can be seen at: https://ingvambiente.com/2020/05/12/la-prima-spedizione-italiana-in-antartide-renato-ce pparo-1975/

Lt. Danilo Collino (IZ1KHY) – Italian Army- Alpine Corps.
Mountaineer, mountain guide, amateur radio operator (IZ1KHY). Four expeditions to Antarctica with a wide range of experience.

Gianni Varetto (I1HYW)–Journalist .
Long-standing communications activity with Antarctica. For several years, he manages a website www.waponline.it  dedicated to Amateur Radio in Antarctica, which has got so far, over a million views from all over the world. Since 1979, he (and IK1GPG)  set and archived a collection of information on Antarctic Bases and refuges (WAP-WADA Directory), dating back to 1945.

Prof. Julius Fabbri, PhD – (IV3CCT)  Science teacher at Carducci-Dante Institute in Trieste.
He created a scale replica of the ruins of the Italian Giacomo Bove Base at the Malignani Institute in the city of Udine. He will discuss the project to promote the remains of the Bove Base in Antarctica as a  “Historic Site and Monument” (HSM).

In addition, Gabriele IK1NEG who did moderate the event, announce that he will be active as II1SR/p (WAP-363) from February 22nd to March 1st from the Naval Museum of Imperia, using the original RTX Swan 700cx used by the Cepparo’s Expedition at the Giacomo Bove Base back in 1975/76.

This transceiver (pic to the Left) was donated by Renato Cepparo himself to the founder of the Museum, Flavio Serafini.

Today marks 122 years of uninterrupted Argentinean presence in Antarctica. On February 22, 1904, Argentina began its institutional Antarctic presence by taking charge of the meteorological observatory on Laurie Island, in the South Orkney Islands.

Last February 2003, WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) did launch an Antarctica Activity Week (AAW), addressed to the Hams worldwide, to be celebrated every year on last week of February, which should incorporate the 22nd of February, where Argentines celebrate the “Dia De La Antartida Argentina” (Argentine’s Antarctica Day).

.

Since then, several Special Event Stations (SES) from different Nations in the world, join the venture every years.

E-Awards are available for free:
Check: https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/

.

.

Happy Antarctic Activity Week 2026!

See: https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2026/ 

Black Island, USA Telecommunication Facility is listed on WAP-WADA Directory as USA-NEW.
The satellite site located on Black Island in Antarctica at 78°07′South, 166°08′East is commonly referred to as the Black Island satellite receiving station. (Picture aside show Black Island facility, 27 October 2014. Thanks and credit to Peter Rejcek, USAP Photo Library)

Situated about 25 miles south of McMurdo Station, it serves as the primary communications hub for the U.S. Antarctic Program, utilizing large microwave dishes to facilitate satellite data, phone, and internet services. The station is on the summit of Mount Melania, a rounded hill about 330 meters high at the northern end of Black Island in the Ross Archipelago. It lies east of Mount Ewart and North of Melania Ridge.

When Black Island was initially used to transmit and receive communication signals, there were fewer satellites viewable in the sky and it was the only location feasible. However, today there are more satellites viewable from Ross Island, making this location a better location due to its easier accessibility. The antennas and dishes at Black Island are still in place and used as well.

This location proved unsuitable for the long term, as the satellite service was to be changed/relocated so that it would be inaccessible behind Mt. Erebus. The Black Island facility also included other HF and VHF towers and systems, a 16′ x 32′ Jamesway shelter for temporary housing, fuel tanks, a 1200 Watts ORMAT JP-8-fueled closed cycle vapor turbine generator, and a wind turbine and battery storage system. Concurrently with the Black Island installation, the SPSDL was also installed in 1984-85 to provide data communication between Pole and McMurdo using low earth orbit satellites.

Read more at: https://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/90s/blackisland.html

The plan is to move all communications to Ross Island and remove the station on Black Island over the next several years.

On February 13, 1956, the first Russian Antarctic Research Station was opened on the Davis Sea coast marking the beginning of continuous scientific observations in Antarctica.
The station was named Mirny after one of the vessels of the Russian South Polar Expedition of 1819-21 under the leadership of F.F. Bellingshausen and M.P. Lazarev.

The expedition was led by the famous polar explorer and outstanding polar researcher, the head of the drifting station “North Pole-2”, Hero of the Soviet Union,  Mikhail Mikhailovich Somov. (pic aside)

During the first, second and third KAE (1955-1959), the stations Pionerskaya (WAP RUS-1Ø), Oasis, Vostok1 (WAP RUS-14), Komsomolskaya (WAP RUS-Ø5), Vostok (WAP RUS-13), Sovetskaya, and Pole of Inaccessibility were opened.

TNX UA6GG Oleg @ DX Trophy

To day, WAP does not have evidence of any Ham Radio activity from:
1) Oasis Station (https://www.waponline.it/bunger-oasis-station-wap-rus-new/) ,
2) Sovetskaya Station, (https://www.waponline.it/sovetskaya-research-station-wap-rus-new/ ) and
3) Pole of Inaccessibility Station (https://www.waponline.it/the-southern-pole-of-inaccessibility-camp-wap-rus-new/)  therefore,  these 3 Bases are still WAP RUS-NEW.

.

In addition to the 7Øth Anniversary of Mirny Station, it is also interesting to know that, on Jan 5, 1956, the diesel-electric ship Ob carrying a team of Soviet scientists and polar explorers reached the Antarctic continent. From that day onward, large-scale national research in Antarctica began. The work of these pioneers is still carried forward today by the Russian Antarctic Expedition of the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute (AARI).

Andreas, DL3LRM, is one of the OPs of the German Research Vessel Polarstern.
He is on board of the Research Icebreaker since a couple days now and plans to participate in AAW 2026 with DP0POL/MM (WAP-317).
Andreas informs that currently they are nearby Elephant Island, sailing further South for research in the region of the Antarctic Peninsula and the western Weddell Sea until the end of March.
Look lor DPØPOL/MM from now and ahead, particularly during the Antarctic Activity Week; Andreas has promised to be active as much as he can and he hopes to log many of the Antarctic hunters on the bands from R/V Polarstern.

.

TNX Andreas, DL3LRM

Grado island, relives Renato Cepparo’s Antarctic adventure and the 50th Anniversary of the construction of the Giacomo Bove Base (WAP ITA-Ø2) in Antarctica.

It roamed among the ice of Antarctica, braving the katabatic winds, a dream that explorer Renato Cepparo managed to crystallize overseas, albeit briefly.

In memory of the 1st Italian Base in Antarctica, Saturday, February 7th, 2026,  members of the ARI (Italian Amateur Radio Association) of Grado gathered early on Schiusa Island, operating a SES “II3IUSR” WAP-366.  “The goal is to make as many QSOs as possible, explained Julius Fabbri, president of the AdriAntartica association, during a break. This intense effort aims to mark the 50th anniversary of the founding of the first Italian Base in Antarctica which fell on January 20th, at the end of which two plaques were awarded to the ARI and the ANMI (National Marine Association of Italian Sailors) of Grado for their collaboration.
A total on 272 QSOs has been made: 43 on 20 mts, 143 on 40 mts, 86 on QO-100.
e-QSL for II3IUSR via IQ3AZ
TNX Prof. Julius Fabbri & Hams from ARI-Grado (IV3CVM, IV3DXW, IV3VFR)

Historical notes of Grado island
Grado (Latin: Gradus) is a town and municipality in the regional decentralization entity of Gorizia in the north-eastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, located on an island and adjacent peninsula of the Adriatic Sea between Venice and Trieste.
Of Roman origin, Grado (gradus, landing) was founded in the 2nd century AD as fisherman’s village and, later, harbour for ships sailing up the river Natissa towards Aquileia. Grado developed, around the middle of the 5th century AD, when many inhabitants fled to the island to escape the devastating Hun hordes led by Attila which, in 452 AD, destroyed nearby Aquileia. During that eventful period, the Patriarch of Aquileia moved to Grado and proclaimed himself Patriarch of this site. Grado remained an independent Patriarch site until 1451 even if, in the middle of the 12th century, the Patriarch himself moved his residence to Venice.
Grado thus returned to being a fishermen’s village, and remained so throughout the following centuries, under the Republic of Venice. From 1797 (with the Treaty di Campoformido) to 1918, it belonged to the Austrian dominions.In 1892, the Austrian-Hungarian State established the tourism company in Grado to promote its value as a seaside resort and the therapeutic virtues of its “strong marine vapour”. That same year the first European establishment for sand-bathing was inaugurated. The island, already known as a tourist destination, in the summer of 1856 hosted the writer Ippolito Nievo

DL1RUN Karsten Stephan, is a keen Antarctic hunter and owner of Special Event Stations to celebrate Antarctica: DAØANT (WAP-128), DQ6ØANT (WAP-316).

At the time of the 23rd AAW 2026 and to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the first German station in Antarctica, Karsten has requested to the German Telecommunications Authority, two new Special Event calls to celebrate both the events: DM5ØANT (WAP-364) and DP5ØANT (WAP-365).

TNX Karsten DL1RUN

Germany’s first permanently occupied Antarctic research station, was the Base Laboratory near Novolazatevskaya, which was opened in 1976. The Georg von Neumayer Station (GvN), came later in 1981 on the Ekström Ice Shelf, marking Germany’s continuous presence and leading to full member status in the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Party.. In 1987 the Base Laboratory has been expanded and renamed into Georg Forster Station.

While earlier expeditions explored, the GvN in 1981 established consistent year-round research, fulfilling the “5Ø years ago” timeframe  and solidifying German scientific commitment.
Read the full History at: https://50ant.hamaward.de/en/georg-forster-station-en/ 

An interesting retrospective about the 1st German Antarctic Expedition 1901-03, is on the Polar Journal at: https://polarjournal.net/the-1st-german-antarctic-expedition-1901-03/

Check also: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/von-Neumayer-Station-(-GvN-)-and-Neumayer-Station-(-Georg-Janneck/d2a93e9efba16a6e103e775c4d45b1aca648941b for pictures and additional information

An Award program commemorating 5Ø years of German Antarctic research is being prepared on the website https://50ant.hamaward.de . The Award program will start with AAW-2026 with the three stations DAØANT, DM5ØANT and DP5ØANT. In April, two stations DM5ØGFS and DP2ØØGVN will be added. The award can be worked until 30 April 2026.

23^rd Antarctic Activity Week will start next February 16 and will last till February 22^nd 2026.
Check: https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2026/

The “New Depot Camp” is a seasonal base where fuel and all kinds of cargo are being reloaded. The camp is located at 70°17’57” South, 02°25’17” West,  as shown in the attached locator map, practically near the ice covered Blåskimen and Novyy Islands.

Following the great activity from Oleg ZS7ANF, mostly on 17, 20 and 30 meters, after having got pictures and details of this “new site”, a brand new WAP reference has been given as WAP MNB-23.

The “New Depot Camp” will be added on the next issue of WAP-WADA Directory (June 2026 issue) as:

MNB-23

New Depot Camp at 70°17’57” South,  02°25’17” West, located in

Princess Ragnhild Coast, Queen Maud Land, Antarctica

TNX Oleg ZS7ANF for his high performance HF operation and to Oleg UA6GG @DX Trophy for his precious support

Bull Pass at 77°26’4Ø”South, 161°51’Ø6″East, is a remote site in the Dry Valleys, Southern Victoria Land near McMurdo Station in Antarctica that hosts Huts & Communication Station; a couple of research and refuge structures being recently visited by KL5SE Andrew T Winkelman.

Andrew signing KC4/KL7SE has worked SSB and FT8 logging quite a number of QSOs  which allow WAP to issue a brand new reference to this remote site,  as WAP USA-54, which will appear on next release of WAP WADA Directory of June 2026.

.

.

.

.

.

See also:  https://www.waponline.it/bull-pass-huts-communication-station-dry-valley-wap-usa-new/ .

WAP congratulates and thank Andrew KL5SE on his tireless work and thanks him for his activity from four brand new remote locations in Antarctica during his 2026 Antarctic Campaign!

Exactly 50 years ago, on January 20, 1976, with the raising flag ceremony Renato Cèpparo, I2VZP, did inaugurate the first Italian Base on the Antarctic Peninsula. Interestingly, the motor vessel Cristoforo Colombo set sail from the port of Tieste with 22 tons of prefabricated material to build the base.

The Station was set in a location of natural and strategic importance, the warmest and most easily accessible in Antarctica. At that time, a first Italian Hamradio Station operating in Antarctica from “Giacomo Bove Camp” (WAP ITA-Ø2), was on the air for a while with the call sign I1SR.

After just eight months, the Giacomo Bove Base, was dismantled by the Argentine Navy!

Tuesday, January 20, 2026, a ceremony marking the 5Ø^th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Base named after the 19th-century hydrographer, sailor Giacomo Bove, was held in Triste (Italy).

On 20 January 2026, an Historical Reenactment took place at the same pier to send a signal of friendship, peace, and scientific cooperation with raising of Argentine and Italian flags in Trieste in front of the Maritime Station.

Despite the freezing wind and poor propagation, a group of students of the Carducci-Dante High School, led by Prof. PhD Julius Fabbri (IV3CCT) did operate II3IUSR, a special call to celebrate the event, to honor the Italians who initiated Italy into the Antarctic Treaty and to strengthened friendship with Argentina, with the aim of proposing a joint nomination as a “Historic Site” for the remains of the Giacomo Bove Base; a message for peace and international scientific cooperation.

Thanks have been expressed by Julius Fabbri IV3CCTto the precious and kind participants in the mini-ceremony held in Trieste.

   

EM3ØVER (WAP-357) is the Special Event callsign issued to celebrate the 3Øth Anniversary of Ukrainian Antarctic Station    “Akademik Vernadsky”  (WAP UKR-Ø1) in Antarctica.
Ukrainian SES activity will last from 01 February 2026 to 01 March 2026.

A special Ministerial diploma will be issued to celebrate the Anniversary.

One QSO with EM3ØVER (National Antarctic Research Center Station) or two QSOs with different SES operated by Ukrainian Antarctic operators: EM3ØKY (op. UT1KY) WAP-359, EM3ØKCC (op. UR5KCC) WAP-360, EM3ØLV (op. UR8LV) WAP-361, EN3ØUA (op. UT7UA) WAP-362 are required to get the award available for Free in electronic format to OM & SWL.
Operators will be “On Air” all bands all modes

(Pics below show samples of  the E-Award)

                                                                                   

Application with contact details have to be sent to: em30ver@ukr.net   

TNX Pavlo UT1KY

Bull Pass Huts & Communication Station at Bull Pass Dry Valley, Southern Victoria Land at 77°26’4Ø”South, 161°51’Ø6″East, are a couple of research and refuge structures located in the Dry Valleys, near McMurdo Station in Antarctica.

Bull Pass, a low-elevation mountain pass in Victoria Land, provides a crucial link between two arid valleys, known to be among the most snow and ice-free areas on the continent. Located between McKelvey Valley and Wright Valley within the Olympus Range, it is famous for being named in honor of Dr. Colin Bull, a prominent polar explorer and geologist who worked extensively in Antarctica. Dr. Colin Bull has been the leader of the 1958-59 New Zealand UWAE expedition.

Bull Pass Huts & Communication Station are still used by scientific expeditions for study, especially in geology and biology, with older US structures remaining but designated as a decommissioned site within an Antarctic Specially Managed Area, this site offers a glimpse into the fragile, ancient ecosystems studied there.

Historically and currently the Bull Pass Huts hosts scientific facilities, including a past “Seismic Hut” are used as field camps and refuges for scientific research, particularly in the unique, ice-free areas. While older US structures remain, the site is considered decommissioned, though facilities and maintenance continue for research activities.

In essence, Bull Pass Huts are though scientific outposts known more for its unique ice-free landscape and its extreme environment, with temporary field shelters used by researchers rather than permanent historical dwellings. The Dry Valleys are famous for being ice-free, making them crucial for scientific study.

Antarctica New Zealand, records a “Seismic Hut at Bull Pass” used by researchers in the 1990s, indicating temporary scientific shelters.
(Pictures courtesy of New Zealand Antarctic Web Site)

.

.

Dr. Colin Bruce Bradley Bull
Born (June 13, 1928) in Birmingham, England, Dr. Bull first ventured into the Arctic as part of a 1951 university expedition to the island of Spitsbergen. After taking a university job in New Zealand, Dr. Bull launched one of the first expeditions to the dry valleys of Antarctica, eerie ice-free basins where temperatures in the spring and summer, range between subzero and shirt sleeves.

Colin Bull, whose career as a scientist included many adventures in the Arctic and Antarctic, died Sept. 7^th 2010 at the age of 82 while on an Alaskan cruise.

Read more at: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/scientist-colin-bull-latter-day-polar-adventurer-dies/

Bull Pass Huts & Communication Station is listed on WAP-WADA Directory as USA-NEW.
Around mid January, Andrew KL5SE will operate from there as KC4/KL5SE. By now, the provisional reference given to Bull Pass Huts & Communication Station is WAP USA-54 As soon as he will show upon the air, the reference will be confirmed.

.

WAP congratulates Andrew KL5SE on his tireless work and thanks him for his activity from “four brand new remote locations in Antarctica” during his 2025-2026 Antarctic campaign.

Newall Camp is a facilitiy at Mounth Newall  in Antarctica’s Dry Valleys, primarily housing remote monitoring equipment (seismic/infrasound) for the US Air Force and CTBO, supporting treaty monitoring and research, often serviced by rotating Air Force/University teams using helicopters from McMurdo, offering stark, scientific, and remote Antarctic field experiences. The Camp Includes the main AFTAC (Air Force Technical Applications Center) building, and a smaller New Zealand radio repeater Hut, and a separate small Survival Shelter near the helicopter pad.

Andrew KC4/KL5SE is active from Mt. Newall  since last December 30, 2025 and he thinks to be up there till about Jan 10 2026; he sent Bob K4MZU some useful info which are allowing WAP to issue tew related references:

“There are three buildings up here at Newall these days. There’s a small green Hut with adjacent tower operated by the Antarctica New Zealand to support their VHF repeaters for the area (picture to the Left). The large white building (picture to the Right), formerly featuring the wind turbine, houses the VHF repeaters for United States Antarctic Program activities in the area and a power system for year round support of the CTBT PS50 seismic array in the Wright Valley (the next and final field site I will visit this season). There is also a small black survival Hut (picture here below) operated by the USAP which serves as our camp kitchen and emergency shelter.

This info provided directly by Andrew KC4/KL5SE allow us to reference both sites under New Zealand and US references as they are two separate entities, in addition the note posted by Andrew is significant for understanding the site: «While I camp here, I prefer to sleep in my own tent rather than bunk with everyone else. That means I get my own radio room too! While the US and NZ sites are adjacent they do not share support among one another. That said, I have shared tea and biscuits up here with the Kiwi rigging team when they were servicing their VHF repeater tower.»

Recently (Jan, 2, 2026) Andrew sent Bob K4MZU the correct coordinates for both locations and more details: «Here’s some Mt Newall info and pictures to pass on to Gianni.

Mt. Newall Repeater Hut operated by Antarctica New Zealand is located at coordinates 77°.504029 South,  162°.626341 East (77°30’14” South, 162°37’32” East) and pictured in “ANZ-vhf-hut.jpg” attached.

Repeater Hut and power station operated by the US Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) and the United States Antarctic Program (USAP) is located at coordinates 77°.504288 South, 162°.625242 East (77°30’15” South, 162°37’34” East) and pictured in “AFTAC-hps-hut.jpg” attached.

The Survival Hut maintained by the United States Antarctic Program is located at coordinates 77°.504693 South, 162°.624770 East (77°30’16”South, 162°37’29” East)and pictured in “USAP-survival-hut.jpg” attached.

Pictures of my tent (at Left) and QTH (Rig and Logbook) are also attached – it’s a mountain tent with the Yaesu FT-710 rig on a crate inside with the coax and battery running out the door. The antenna is a 20m EFHW configured in a sloper about 1/2 to 2 meters off the ground.

Hope this helps. Thanks and 73, Andrew KC4/KL5SE

.

At the light of all these evidences, WAP has issued a separate reference to:
Mt. Newall Repeater Hut (Remote Operating Facility’s Camp operated by Antarctica New Zealand ) at 77°30’14” South, 162°37’32” East, is WAP NZL-12,

 and

Mt. Newall Power station, Repeater Hut and Survival Hut (Logistics and Remote Operating Facility’s Camp operated by the US Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) and the United States Antarctic Program (USAP)  at 77°30’15” South, 162°37’34” East, are  WAP USA-53.

Power Station , Repeater Hut and Survival Hut together,  constitute the US Camp at Mt. Newall

The planned operation from KC4/KL5SE will though qualify both references: “WAP NZL-12” and “WAP USA-53” at once

Description from the Web:
Mount Newall (77° 30′ South, 162° 42′  East ) is a 7000ft high mountain peak remotely located in the Taylor Glacier Dry Valley of Antarctica, and located approximately 60 miles from McMurdo Station (77° 51′  South, 166° 40″ East), which serves as a logistics and research hub of the United States Antarctic Program. The Mount Newall Repeater Remote Operating Facility is operated by Air Force Technical Applications Center and contains equipment that supports the International Monitoring System as part of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization. The Mount Newall Repeater Remote Operating Facility is a normally unoccupied 36 feet by 11 and a half feet aluminum frame container that houses power and communication equipment, including a generator, fuel  tank and battery bank. The structure is protected by a Kidde-Fenwal  CO2 fire suppression system, which requires periodic maintenance.

Our best wishes for the new coming year to everyone.
A year of DX for the Ham Radio operators, among the personnel invovebd in the Icy Continent!
Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do
WAP STAFF

According to what we have been reported on WAP website on 12 january 2019, (See: https://www.waponline.it/atka-bay-skiway-camp-wap-mnb-new/), Atka Bay Skiway Camp site (70°36’45” South, 8°07’25” West) is the location of the Emperor Penguin colony. The Camp, managed by White Desert Company lies not too far away to the structure of German Research Station Neumayer III (70°40´S, 8°16´W), and stands right between Neumayer III (WAP DEU-Ø8) and Neumayer Emergency Base (WAP ZAF-11).

On last 2019 we did write: As soon as some Hams will operate from Atka Bay Skiway Camp, a New WAP reference will be issued.

Today I finally  got a chance to talk with Oleg ZS7ANF who did operate from a tent just about few meters from Atka Bay Skiway Camp and more or less the same distance to ZAF-11
Oleg reported: «It took much work at Atka.  My tent was in the middle between Atka Skiway site and Echo Base Site which is very close to Atka, may be 100 meters or even less. I’m not sure in this case if the activation counts for both entries.»

Oleg made 180 QSOs from there.
180 QSOs, 145 different calls are not so many,  but at least 145 WW Hams could be happy for having got a Bingo!

As far as we know, both Felix and Matthias did operate DPØGVN/P (2019) and Lars ZS7/DL1LLL in 2012, from inside E-Base, both of the operations are well qualified as ZAF-11.

This time (20-21 & 22 December 2025) Oleg has operated from his tent at 70°36’34” South, 08°15’27” West, in the surrounding of both E-Base (ZAF-11) and the Atka Bay Skiway Camp.

According to the picture received today by Oleg (Taken from his operating site tent) , compared to the one sent by Felix and Matthias following their 2019 trip in the area, Atka Bay Skiway Camp is a reality and the activity performed by Oleg, allow WAP to qualify this 20-21 & 22 December 2025’s activity by ZS7ANF, for both SANAE Summer Support Base ZAF-11 and Atka Bay Skiway Camp MNB-22.

Once again, the Ham Radio Community is really grateful to Oleg ZS7ANF for his constant willingness to be available in many and many challenging tasks in Antarctica. Over the years, we have come to know him for his professionalism and keen ear, making him undoubtedly one of the best radio amateurs in the world.

.

.

..

Pics of Atka Bay Skiway Camp” WAP MNB-22

 The first picture of Atka Bay Skiway Camp, was taken last Jan.8^th 2019 by Matthias DH5CW, on the way to Neumayer Emergency Base, aka South Africa Summer support Base (WAP ZAF-11), together with Felix DL5XL.  Apart from the tents, there is a marked skiway for airplanes. Looking very closely, Neumayer Station III in the background (just over the left yellow tent) can be seen.

Also, the pic taken by Oleg on 21^st Dec. 2025 show the same site and in the background, Neumayer III Station

TNX Oleg ZS7ANF

On WAP-WADA Directory, among the South Africa references, we have WAP ZAF-01 (E-Base, South Africa’s logistical Base) at 70°18’ South, 02°24’ West. Reference has been given on 28-november-2002 following the activity of ZS7/ZS4AGA.

Then, we have WAP ZAF-11 (SANAE Summer Support Base, aka Neumayer Emergency Station) reference given following the activity of ZS7/DL1LLL on 24-September-2012.

Well, having made this premise, everybody should know that, on 20 February 2009 the German Station “Neumayer II” (WAP DEU-Ø2) a permanent German Antarctic research Base on Atka Bay opened in 1992 in replacement of the old Georg von Neumayer Station, did close.
The station which became increasingly deformed by snow and ice movements after 2007, was therefore uninhabitable since then. At the time, the station was moving with the shelf ice at about 200 meters per year towards the open sea.
On February 20, 2009, the German Neumayer II Station was officially handed over to South Africa (SANAE), in a ceremony marking its closure, as Germany opened (at the same time) its new permanent research base, the Neumayer Station III (WAP DEU-Ø8).

The South Africans then dismantled Neumayer II and built their Summer Support Base (also known as Neumayer Emergency Base) at the same location 70°37’ South, 08°15’ West on Atka Bay.

The 1^st operation from the new SANAE Summer Support Base at (WAP ZAF-11) was made by Lars Lehrnet DL1LLL signing ZS7/DL1LLL on October 2012, followed by DPØGVN/P performed on January 8 & 9-2019 by Felix Riess DL5XL and Matthias Maasch DH5CW.
(see: https://www.waponline.it/neumayer-emergency-base-also-known-as-sanap-summer-base-wap-zaf-11/ and https://www.waponline.it/atka-bay-skiway-camp-wap-mnb-new/ )

Yesterday December 20-2025, Oleg Sakharov ZS7ANF did show up from there (WAP ZAF-11), first on 20 mts then 30 and 40 mts CW.

Just to complete the view of the detailed historical chronology, here below is what is well reported about ZAF-11 on ZS7/DL1LLL’s QSL.
SANAP (South Africa National Antarctic Program) will continue to use this facility as a replacement for the old South African E-Base (WAP ZAF-Ø1). E-Base is short for “Emergency Base” and it is used as a logistical facility in order to support supply operations to SANAE IV Base in Antarctic summer.

In 2009 a team of 16 people arrived onboard SA AGULHAS in order to take down Neumayer II and install the new E-Base right on top of it, above the snow. The remains of Neumayer II Base, large hollow metal tubes which once hosted living shelters and laboratories, are buried under tick ice. Today just the garage is used as a storage facility by SANAP

TNX Lars, DL1LLL, Felix DL5XL & Volker DL8JDX

By the way, Oleg ZS7ANF is supposed to be there for a couple of days, living in a yellow tent in front of the SANAE Support Base WAP ZAF-11. (see pic above)
TNX Oleg UA6GG @ DX Trophy

Traversing from Progress Base to Vostok Station is a major annual Russian Antarctic operation, involving a 1350 km tractor-train convoy carrying fuel, supplies, and personnel during the summer months across the East Antarctic ice sheet. The route, challenging due to soft snow, crevasses, and extreme weather, moves inland from the coast to Vostok’s high polar plateau, making Progress the logistical “capital” for inland transport. Heavy-duty tracked vehicles, often Pistenbully tractors, pulling sledges are used for the approximately 1350 kilometers (about 840 miles) “Raid-Traverse” to resupply Vostok Station, the furthest Russian base from the sea, with essential fuel, food, equipment, and personnel rotations. The journey involves navigating soft snow, whiteout conditions, potential crevasses, and severe cold, requiring meticulous planning and powerful vehicles.

Starting from Progress on the coast (Prydz Bay) and heading inland to Vostok Station on the polar plateau, the initial coastal section can be difficult, but conditions often improve further south with more stable snow. Navigation relies on pre-established markers, GPS, and sometimes pre-exploration by helicopter to identify hazards like crevasses.
This yearly trek is vital for sustaining Vostok’s scientific operations, including its famous ice-core drilling projects.

This year, Alex Turkeev UG1A (ex RD1AV) signing RI1ANI is well involved in the Progress -Vostok Scientific-Logistic Traverse.

Landed at Novolazarevskaya (WAP RUS-Ø9) in early November, Alex has been active from there for few days signing RI1ANI then, he moved to Progress (WAP RUS-11) from where the Raid-Traverse has started at beginning December heading to Vostok Station (WAP RUS-13).
Alex is among the crew and has already been active twice (CW) from his sledge cabin and the trip is still going on.  When at Vostok Station, Alex plan is to stay there for about 40 days.

Picture aside show Alex on his radio room inside the raid sledge.
Follow the Polar DX Group on Face Book for updates.
TNX Alex RI1ANI and François F8DVD

HI Folks,

WAP Bulletin nr.310 dated dec. 10 th 2025 has just been issued.
Inside, the latest news from Antarctica, who’s on air,  who’ll be on air soon, and active Sations.

A useful tool for OM enthusiasts of the White Continent.

Download it, it’s free!
Go to: https://www.waponline.it/wap-antarctic-bulletins/   select the desired bulletin and … enjoy your Antarctic DX!
Don’t forget to apply your special callsign and be ready for the 23rd AAW from 16th to 22nd February 2026.
Check:  https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2026/
 

TNX Max IK1GPG & Betty IK1QFM

Bob Hines K4MZU has just informed that Andrew KC4/KL5SE is going to visit Mount Newall Huts & Radio repeater site,  located at 75° 5Ø’ ØØ” South, 162° 38′ ØØ” West in the Asgard Range, near Lake Vanda, a strategically important point for relaying signals in the Dry Valleys.

This remote scientific settlement hosts US equipment and a small (24 square foot) green structure housing the New Zealand radio repeater; therefore, it will qualify the settlement as Multinational site (MNB) for WAP program.

Mount Newall in Antarctica’s Taylor Valley hosts crucial radio repeater facilities, including huts for U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) and Air Force Technical Applications Center (AFTAC) operations, supporting scientific research, communications, and international treaty monitoring (like CTBT seismic data) via wind turbines, solar power, and backup systems, with survival caches nearby for personnel working in the harsh Dry Valleys.

Radio Repeater’s Huts containerized structures housing communication gear, power systems (batteries, generators, wind/solar), and sometimes seismic monitoring equipment. The site utilizes wind turbines, solar panels, and diesel generators for remote power.

Survival shelters such as small huts stocked with emergency supplies for helicopter-supported teams is available on site.

TNX and credit to: https://adam.antarcticanz.govt.nz/nodes/view/21425

In light of this information, Mount Newall Huts enters the WAP-WADA Directory as MNB-NEW pending Andrew’s HF hearing from this “New One”.

Mt. Newall repeater site
In addition to various antenna and wind turbine towers, the two main structures on the site seen in the pics hereby attached, detailed the repeater site and the larger (240 square foot) hut behind, housing the USAP equipment. About 3/4 of the structure houses the radio repeater equipment, hybrid power system controls for the wind turbine and the solar panels, a large battery bank, the CO2 system bottles and controls, Air Force-maintained CTBT seismic monitoring equipment (part of the Dry Valley Seismic Project), survival equipment and supplies. A small room at one end houses the diesel generator. The above photo, is a small (96 square foot) survival shelter near the helicopter pad.  The hut is the “AFTAC” (Air Force Technical Applications Center) building. The pic aside shows Team members doing maintenance on the facility during the 2017-18 season.

Source: https://www.southpolestation.com/trivia/10s/newall.html#:~:text=and%20the%20larger%20(240%20square,shelter%20near%20the%20helicopter%20pad.

Thanks to the availability of Andrew Winkelman KL5SE and the “Team Work” with Bob Hines K4MZU in the lead, many Antarctic Hunters have been able to log a rare spot in Antarctica,  Windless Bight Camp which now entered in the WAP-WADA Directory as WAP USA-52.

Andrew left a comment about the place he is operating from: Indeed Windless Bight is a portion of the Ross Ice Shelf which intends the southern side of Ross Island. I am not at McMurdo Station but at a Field camp 20 km away supported from McMurdo. Our camp is located on the western edge of grid square RB32tg and coordinates -77.734, 167.589. Wikipedia has some more info regarding the history of the area: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windless_Bight

TNX Andrew KL5SE for the attached pics 

                           ……………………. (Here on the right, is Andrew’s shack in his tent)

.

.

.

Map aside shows the location of Windless Bight; McMurdo Base (WAP USA-22) is up to the left.

.

More info about Windless Bight Camp on WAP website:  https://www.waponline.it/windless-bight-field-camp-wap-usa-new/

Antarctica Day is an international holiday recognizing the anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959. It is celebrated on December 1 each year. Dedicating Antarctica as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science” the Antarctic Treaty is important to the preservation of the continent.

.

Antarctica Day was established by the Foundation for the Good Governance of International Spaces in 2010 as a way to highlight the international cooperation that makes governance of the continent possible and to encourage educators to incorporate Antarctica in their curriculum. Antarctica Day was created following the Antarctic Treaty Summit in 2009 on the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty.

.

Read more at: https://iaato.org/blog/celebrating-antarctica-day 

and

https://www.apecs.is/blogs/869-celebrate-antarctica-day-with-apecs-on-december-1st.html

and

https://www.utas.edu.au/about/events/antarctica-day-2025-encountering-antarctica

.

40 years of the National Antarctic Research Program

On December 1, 2025, Italy is celebrating the 40th anniversary of its National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA) with an event called “Antarctica Day”. This event, promoted by the National Scientific Commission for Antarctica (CSNA), will take place at the National Research Council (CNR) in Rome and will include speeches, a live connection to research bases in Antarctica, and the inauguration of a new scientific exhibition. The day also marks the 20th anniversary of the Concordia research station and Italy hosting the 47th Antarctic Treaty meeting.

The event can be followed in streaming on the Teams platform at the link: https://l.cnr.it/0ccev

Founded in 2005, after a successful polar event in Turin-Italy, by a group of dedicated polar philatelists: V. Negro, G. Poletto, known as Gippo, G. Martina, S. Di Vita, and L. Sacchi, just to name a few, under the invaluable guidance of F. Giardini, the Turin Polar Association celebrates its 20th Anniversary.

For the occasion, a series of themed postcards with special postmarks has been created. Among these, two in particular commemorate the 50th anniversary of Renato Cepparo’s adventurous expedition to Antarctica (1975) and the construction of the “Giacomo Bove” Base, (WAP ITA-Ø2) later dismantled by Argentina.

TNX Giancarlo Poletto @ Turinpolar (http://www.turinpolar.com/)

.

.

Giancarlo Poletto is the co-author of a series of thematic books on philately, polar expeditions and much more.

Giancarlo informs the collectors who would eventually buy Cepparo’s postcards, could write to Dr. Lodovico Sacchi, Secretary of Turin Polar.

.

Email: lodovico.sacchi@gmail.com

Hillary’s Hut, or the TAE/IGY Hut, is the first construction at New Zealand’s Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1) in Antarctica; built in 1957 for Sir Edmund Hillary’s support Team on the Trans-Antarctic Expedition and International Geophysical Year (IGY).

.

Also known as “A Hut”, this iconic, bright orange and yellow hut served as living quarters, kitchen, radio room, and office, becoming a crucial base for science and exploration, and was restored in 2017 by the Antarctic Heritage Trust to preserve its historical significance.

Hillary’s Hut has supported both the International Geophysical Year and Sir Edmund Hillary’s Trans-Antarctic Expedition, which aimed to support the first overland crossing of Antarctica.

The Hut was designated a Historic Monument (HSM-75) under the Antarctic Treaty in 2001. A major conservation effort was completed in 2017 for the 6Øth anniversary of Scott Base, which involved specialists from the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

.

Video below, provides a glimpse into the history and significance of Hillary’s Hut:

.

The “A Hut” of Scott Base, being the only existing Trans Antarctic Expedition 1956/1957 building in Antarctica,  sited at Pram Point, Ross Island, Ross Sea Region, Antarctica. As a designated Historic Site and Monument (HSM-75), “A Hut” is protected from damage, removal, or destruction under the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection.
Thanks and credit to: https://nzaht.org/conserve/explorer-bases/hillarys-hut-scott-base/conservation-of-hillary-hut/

Hillary’s Hut (aka TAE/IGY Hut and “A Hut”), at 77°50′60″ South, 166°46′0″ East, Pram Point, Ross Island, Ross Sea Region, Antarctica,  has been added to the WAP WADA Directory as WAP NZL-NEW

Denney George VU2DGR-AT44I, informs WAP that, Andrew T Winkelman KC4/KL5SE has been active on 20 mts FT8 last November 12 from Windless Bight Camp (WAP USA-NEW)
TNX Denney AT44I

KC4/KL5SE’s page at QRZ.com says:  I will be operating from field camps supported by McMurdo Station, Antarctica during the 2025-2026 Austral summer season.
12 Nov, 2025: At Windless Bight camp, grid RB32tg, just in time for the geomagnetic storm. I’ll be monitoring 20m WSPR for now.
14 Nov, 2025: Monitoring 20m FT8 now. Give me a shout if you hear me!

 Windless Bight  at 77°42′ South, 167°40′ East, (See: https://www.waponline.it/windless-bight-field-camp-wap-usa-new/) is a low-wind area on the Ross Ice Shelf in Antarctica, famous for a permanent field camp that monitors infrasound for scientific and treaty-verification purposes. Named for the calm conditions encountered by early explorers, the area is now home to a scientific station operated by the CTBTO and a support camp with a team that stays for several weeks at a time, while also supporting research operations in the area
https://www.ctbto.org/our-work/station-profiles/is55-windless-bight-antarctica-united-states

While WAP is getting ready for the 23^rd edition of the Antarctic Activity Week (16-22 February 2025), special callsign EM3ØVER (WAP-357) has been issued to celebrate the 3Øth Anniversary of the Ukrainian Scientific Antarctic Station Akademik Vernadsky (WAP UKR-Ø1) in Antarctica.
The Anniversary will falls in the middle of the AAW (Check: https://www.waponline.it/antarctic-activity-week/aaw-2026/ ) so,  one more good reason to work it!

EM3ØVER will be active from february 1^st through march 1^st 2026 together with the other calls belonging to the Ukrainaian Antarctic Veterans such as:
EM3ØKY  (op.UT1KY)   WAP-359
EM3ØKCC (op.UR5KCC)  WAP-360
EM3ØLV  (op.UR8LV)   WAP-361
EN3ØUA  (op.UT7UA)   WAP-362
For this special Anniversary, a FREE Electronic Antarctic Award “3Ø years of the Ukrainian Antarctic station “Akademik Vernadsky” will be issued.

Rules to get the Award are very simple:
EM3ØVER SES at the National Antarctic Research Center Station; only 1 QSO is OK to get the electronic award, or by working the Ukrainian Antarctic operators, 2 different SES. 2 QSOs are Ok for the Award.
Application with an extract of contact details, have to be sent to the Award Manager: em30ver@ukr.net

TNX Pavlo UT1KY

To celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Antarctic Giacomo Bove Station  (WAP ITA-Ø2) under the motto: “From Trieste to the Antarctic Peninsula 1975-2025”, Friday, November 14, from approximately 08:00 to 12:30 UTC, SSB, CW & Digi 10 to 40 mts a special callsign II3NAUT will be “On Air”.  from Trieste Nautical Institute’s Sea Station.

II3NAUT (WAP-349) operated by Hams from ARI-Grado. e-QSL  through IQ3AZ

“Sea Station” of the Trieste Nautical Institute is a modern and recent facility, inaugurated in March 2024, designed to complement the school’s maritime training.

The “Sea Station” is designed to enhance the Institute’s educational offerings by enabling practical activities and experiments at sea. In other words it’s a center for teaching and practical training, also used for simulations and insurance tests. In addition to teaching activities, the “Sea Station” is also used for simulations and technical tests, for example, to test vessel reactions under various conditions.
TNX Prof. PhD Julius fabbri IV3CCT & ARI Grado

Trieste, the capital of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, in Northeastern Italy, is a port city. It occupies a narrow strip of land between the Adriatic Sea and the Slovenian border, running along the limestone Karst plateau. Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences are evident throughout the city, which includes a medieval old town and a neoclassical quarter from the Austrian era.

.

.

Actually the “Bathyscaphe Trieste” in its city, so suited to exploration: from the Marianas to the South Pole!

.

Preparations are underway for the ceremonies marking the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Giacomo Bove Base (WAP ITA-Ø2), which was embarked in Trieste on November 13, 1975, in the hold of the Cristoforo Colombo motorboat. The Base was built on the Antarctic Peninsula on January 20, 1976, to prepare Italy for the Antarctic Treaty.
The objective, as told by Prof. PhD Julius Fabbri IV3CCT on the video below, is to continue promoting the nomination of the remains of the Bove Base on its fiftieth Anniversary, as a Historic Site, by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MAECI).
Shortly from there, two special calls will be on air: II3NAUT (WAP349) and II3LBTS (WAP-356), stay tuned!

TNX Prof. PhD Julius Fabbri IV3CCT