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)

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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/)

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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.

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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).

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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.

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

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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.

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

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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

The KIS3 deep field Research Camp (see: https://www.waponline.it/kamb-ice-stream-site-3-and-crary-ice-rise-site-1-two-new-mnb-camps-entering-on-wap-wada/)  is a temporary Antarctic Research Station located on the Kamb Ice Stream, which is part of the grounding zone part of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, where the West Antarctic Ice Sheet begins to float, forming the Ross Ice Shelf
The Kamb Ice Stream (KIS3) deep field research camp, used for the SWAIS2C project, is located 860 km from Scott Base, makes it extremely remote.

Scientists and support staff live in tents to conduct deep-sea sediment drilling to understand past climate change and sea level rise, and the camp is known for its remoteness, operating up to 860 km from Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1). The camp is equipped with heated science and mess tents, living modules, and personal sleeping tents, with logistical support from organizations like Antarctica New Zealand.

Good to know:
SWAIS2C (Sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet to 2°C) climate research project, is an international climate research initiative to understand the sensitivity of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet (WAIS) to a -2° C global warming scenario. The project’s goal is to improve future sea-level rise predictions by drilling deep sediment cores beneath the Ross Ice Shelf to reconstruct past ice sheet behavior. This information will help scientists model how the marine-based WAIS will respond to a warming climate, as a significant portion of it is grounded below sea level and vulnerable to ocean warming.

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Thanks and credit to: Antarctica New Zealand: https://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/
https://youtu.be/Zm8qroHjgFY?si=7MxmMNi1nWj_iJRK
https://www.thepost.co.nz/nz

Completing a comprehensive siting study for a land-based airfield development program for a new airport facility in Antarctica, we’re currently working with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) on delivering an approach to year-round aviation access to the Davis Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø3).

A project of unprecedented scale and complexity due to the remote location and unique environment, we’ve undertaken aviation planning, aircraft pavement civil engineering, aerodrome building design, and environmental services for the development of a 2700m paved runway – taking the project from initial feasibility to detailed business case submission.

Known for its unique wildlife, brave exploration expeditions and inhospitable conditions, Antarctica is a world treasure and a hub for researchers of all nations. As part of the Australian Antarctic Strategy and 20 Year Action Plan, the ADD is progressing an investigation into expanded aviation connectivity between Hobart, Tasmania and Antarctica.

Beginning the initial study in 2017, we developed several airfield layout options with different runway lengths and supporting facilities based on different aircraft types. Our team of local and global aviation teams, including technical specialists and international subject matter experts, provided aviation infrastructure design, airspace constraints evaluation and guidance on environmental impacts.

Taking account of logistical challenges, as well as the sensitive environment and wildlife, we investigated three site options for the potential new runway, collaborating closely with AAD personnel with experience of the conditions. Having developed multi-criteria assessments for each site, we delivered a single recommended option within a tight timeframe and budget. Once the preferred site was identified, we undertook the feasibility design in conjunction with the AAD.  Visiting the site during the Antarctic summer of 2018, we helped field verify multiple runway airfield siting options and confirm optical landing systems, ground conditions, and aggregate material borrow sources, which consequently helped confirm a preferred airfield option for business case development.  We advanced a detailed business case for an airfield development plan with supporting budgetary costings for governmental approvals in 2019. We’re now developing technical aspects related to the construction of a surfaced runway facility for the recommended preferred airfield site.

Thanks and Credit to: https://aecom.com/projects/davis-aerodrome/
and to: https://createdigital.org.au/bold-engineering-build-new-airstrip-antarctica/

WAP Antarctic Bulletin nr. 3Ø9 issued October 23th, 2025 is available to download.

On this issue you can find information about the Stations actually active in Antarctica and Peri-Antarctic sites, other then the planned or previsioned operations as well as in addition,  the most significant events in recent and/or past weeks.

TNX Max IK1GPG & Betty IK1QFM
Antarctic Season 2025-2026 has just begun; Stay tuned for possible spots which can report something interesting …

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Click on the link aside to open last WAP Bulletin (pdf format) WAP-Bull_309

Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do!

Hidden beneath the biggest ice mass on Earth, hundreds of subglacial lakes form a crucial part of Antarctica’s icy structure, affecting the movement and stability of glaciers, and consequentially influencing global sea level rise.

Thanks to a decade of data from the European Space Agency’s CryoSat satellite, researchers have identified 85 previously unknown lakes several kilometres under the frozen surface surrounding the South Pole. This increases the number of known active subglacial lakes below Antarctica by more than half to 231.

The reasearch, published in Nature Communications, is significant because active subglacial lakes, which drain and refill on a cyclical basis, offer a rare insight into what is happening far below the surface, at the base of the ice sheet. The research also identified new drainage pathways underneath the ice sheet, including five interconnected subglacial lake networks.

Read more at: https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/CryoSat/85_new_subglacial_lakes_detected_below_Antarctica

The Expedition Headquarters of Fyodor Konyukhov, the Fyodor Konyukhov International Travel Center, and the POSTVENTURE & Postal Adventure All-Russian Philatery Development Project, with the support of the Primorsky Regional Branch of the Russian Geographical Society, the Ministry of Marine & Bottle Mail (Traditions of Postal Communications LLC), and the Seafarer International Maritime Club, have released a limited edition of the postal issue “The Fyodor Konyukhov Expedition’s Solo Antarctic Station on Smolensk Island.”

The “Single Antarctic Station on Smolensk Island” postal set, was presented by Ship Mail, Bottle Mail, and Polar Mail, includes an envelope, card, maximum card, vignette stamp, special postmark, and a duplicate of the Glass Bottle Message Certificate with an international registry from the Ministry of Marine Bottle Mail.

The author and head of the postage issue “The Single Antarctic Station on the Island of Smolensk of the Fyodor Konyukhov Expedition” was the head of the All-Russian project for the development of philatourism “POSTVENTURE & Postal Adventure”, a researcher and traveler, and a historian of the post, Valery Sushkov. The postmaster of the philatelic issue was Fyodor Konyukhov himself. The designer of the issue was Natalia Pligina.

The postal, set can be ordered through the contacts of the POSTVENTURE & Postal Adventure All-Russian Philately Development Project: E-mail: info@postventure.ru  or by phone/WhatsApp: +7-950-805-22-11

In December 2022, the traveler Fyodor Konyukhov, with the support of the Russian Geographical Society and Nikolai Savelyev (Poseidon Expeditions), did plan to deploy a one-person Antarctic station on the island of Smolensk (Livingston), of the South Shetland Islands.

Fyodor Konyukhov said: «Now my goal is Antarctica, where I plan to set up a new research station on the island of Smolensk and stay longer. In silence and solitude, I will continue to do research, paint pictures and keep diaries»

With the support of RUSARC, the first single Antarctic Station in modern Russia on the island of Smolensk will be set. This will be a base for scientific research and a new stage in the exploration of the harshest continent, where Fyodor Konyukhov plans to spend 4 months alone in 2025-2026.

The crossing of the Drake Passage will take place on the schooner AMAZONE, one of the most challenging stages of the expedition. This will involve about four days of open ocean, where the expedition members and Fyodor Konyukhov plan to send a Message in a Glass Bottle.

The first landing point will be the Antarctic Bellingshausen Station (WAP RUS-Ø1), located on the island of Waterloo, where the Russian winterers live and work, and where the southernmost church on Earth, the Church of the Holy Trinity, is located. Next, a team of 15 people will travel to Smolensk Island, where they will establish the first Russian single-person polar station under the leadership of Fyodor Konyukhov. This is a place where the history of great geographical discoveries meets modern Polar research.

TNX RMØL (ex RW3GW) Valery Sushkov

Over the weekend, the NZ Team gathered for the time-honoured flag ceremony, marking the official handover from the winter team to the summer crew. The winter flag was lowered and the summer one raised; a symbolic moment that celebrates the shift in season and team.

New Zealand is redeveloping its Scott Base in Antarctica (WAP NZL-Ø1), replacing its 12 buildings with three interconnected, sustainable structures designed to support scientific research for the next 50 years. The project is the largest ever undertaken by Antarctica New Zealand, with a budget of NZ$498 million, and will involve upgrading the wind farm and creating new laboratories, living quarters, and engineering workshops. Construction on the new base is expected to begin following the final design stages.

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Thanks and credit to: Antarctica New Zealand https://www.antarcticanz.govt.nz/ 

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Once in the past (25-30 years ago), Scott Base was quite active on HF, giving the Hams and Antarctic Chasers a chance to have ZL5 on their Logs. 
Since 2002, we have’t got reports of any activity from there!
The reason, could be found in new communication’s tools made HF radio out of fashion. For us, Old Timers is not so.

HF contacts from any part of the world to Antarctica is always wanted, a strong emotion for the large WW Ham Radio community. Our is an appeal, a pray to restore the good habit of being “On Air” from the one of most wantedi sites in Antarctica which is Scott Base  (WAP NZL-Ø1).

As the chasers know, Russian Robinson Club has been able to set several DX-peditions to Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic sites and as far as we know, there are still many more remote Antarctic and Arctic places, Islands and settlements to be activate: RRC can do it!

Recently, 120 RRC members are meeting at the Russian Robinson conference, concluded a few days ago in the city of Oryol.
The TOP of the RRC operators, a WW known DX Group, joining together is just wonderful!

The most know names of the DX arena; UA9OBA, RZ3EC, RA1ALA, RW3RN, R3CA, RK7A just to mention a few, have been there.   

TNX Oleg UA6GG@DX Design & Polar Trophy

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WAP is happy to see our longtime friend Yuri Zaruba UA9OBA, Eugene Shelkanovtsev RZ3EC and all the well known names of DX scenario looking always so well in a very friendly atmosphere.

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Ham Radio outside of politics … Radio, Science, Sport and Music must be and are the real spirit of the whole Ham Radio family without forgetting that Antarctica is a land of peace, study and research in the brotherhood of peoples!

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Picture on the Left: RZ3EC

Picture on the Right: RW3RN, R3CA, UA9OBA

500 QSOs  and 45 Countries worked! Great success for the first activation of the Italian  R/V OGS Laura Bassi!

On Friday, September 26, ARI Grado OdV did activate the Research Vessel Laura Bassi, the Italian icebreaker moored in Trieste (locator JN65VP), together with the Adri-Antartica Cultural Association, thanks to the collaboration of the OGS, which kindly granted permission. A team of five radio amateurs took turns connecting 45 Countries, totaling 500 QSOs.

The idea of ​​activating the R/V Icebreaker OGS Laura Bassi, launched by the Worldwide Antarctic Program (W.A.P.) to Adri-Antartica President Julius Fabbri IV3CCT, was proposed to the OGS, which granted authorization. For the “First time On Air” activity, the call sign IV3CCT/MM has been used.

As soon as the Ham Team boarded on the Ship, an officer explained the ship’s characteristics, including a tour of the lifeboats and a description of the equipment used to stabilize the vessel during core drilling. The icebreaker also serves as a container carrier for logistics at the MZS (WAP ITA-Ø1) and Concordia (WAP MNB-Ø3) Stations. The aspect that most impressed the Radio Amateurs, were the three HF radios the ship is equipped with, and their three vertical antennas. On board are two Sailor 6301 MF/HF transceivers and another JRC model WRC-12 NCM2150 emergency radio, also in MF and HF, all with telephone receivers.

The activation was performed with a single station, a vertical antenna positioned at the bow and identical to the one already present on the ship. The bands used were 15, 17, 20, and 40 meters SSB, CW, and FT4.

QSL for the operation on board of the icebreaker have to be requested only direct to I1HYW, while  e-QSLs will be handled by ARI-Grado IQ3AZ. Correct information are reported on QRZ.com

Thanks to:  WAP www.waponline.it , to Prof, Nicola Casagli (OGS President ), the Ship’s Scientific Director, Dr. Franco Coren; Project Manager,  Dr. Roberto Romeo Project Manager ; Capt. Vincenzo Caso, and all the radio amateurs who contributed to the splendid success of the activity.

President of OGS Nicola Casagli sent IV3CCT Julius Fabbri the following msg:
Dear Dr. Fabbri, Thank you for your message and, above all, for the excellent outcome of the first radio activation of the Laura Bassi R/V on Friday, September 26th. On behalf of the OGS, I would like to express our gratitude to you, the ARI of Grado, and the W.A.P. for your collaboration and enthusiasm.
We look forward receiving and sharing your report as soon as the final article is published.
We remain available for any further initiatives that can strengthen this positive bond with the amateur radio community.
Regards, Nicola Casagli

We must be grateful for this operation, to the personnel of the Polar Ship Laura Bassi, docked at the port of Trieste, preparing for next Antarctic Campaign.

Prof. PhD Julius Fabbri IV3CCT, has really spent a lot of time to get necessary permission to operate from onboard with the invaluable help of OGS (https://www.ogs.it/it) . With the Hams from ARI-Grado, particularly to the President Andrea Regolin IV3VFR and colleagues of Grado Radio Club, it has been reached a great goal!

The icebreaker belongs to the Experimental Geophysical Observatory (OGS), headquartered in Trieste, northeastern Italy and this activity, aimed to put “On Air” the Italian Icebreaker for the 1^st time, has been a fantastic success!

The activation is being held to mark the following anniversaries:

– 40th Anniversary of the National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA);

– 50th Anniversary of the inauguration of the Giacomo Bove Station (WAP ITA-Ø2). The motor vessel C. Colombo set sail from Trieste on 13 November 1975 bound for Montevideo with 30 tons of prefabricated material to build the G. Bove, Station. The journey continued aboard the Norwegian ship Rig Mate, headed towards the Antarctic Peninsula

– 20th Anniversary of the Italian-French Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3);

– 64th Anniversary of the entry into force of the Antarctic Treaty.

Prof. Julius Fabbri said: «On Friday, September 26, 2025, with the ARI-Grado and the representative of the Adri-Antartica Association, we did activate the R/V Icebreaker Laura Bassi, thanks to the kind welcome of the OGS-Trieste. I sincerely thank everybody who did help us; OGS, ARI-Grado, and WAP for their valuable collaboration. We did operate SSB & CW on 17-20 & 40 mts SSB, CW and FT4.»

Special thanks to:
Prof. Nicola Casagli (President of OGS);
Dr. Franco Coren (Director of the Naval Infrastructure Management Center of the National Institute of Oceanography and Experimental Geophysics)
Dr. Roberto Romeo (Project Manager)
Captain Vincenzo Caso (Captain of R/V Laura Bassi).

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Briefly, Prof. Julius Fabbri add: «I am very grateful to Gianni Varetto I1HYW@WAP(Worldwide Antarctic Program), to ARI-GRADO IQ3AZ, to Andrea IV3VFR, Giacomo IV3CLI; Claudio IV3DXW and Alessandro IV3CTT».
IV3CCT/MM made 500 QSOs; 45 Countries worked! (See the table here aside)
QSL will be available by e-QSL  and Direct. (More info on QSL route will be given later)

Check more about OGS at: https://www.ogs.it/it 

The Norwegian Troll Research Station (WAP NOR-11), located in Jutulsessen, Antarctica, serves as a critical base for biological, glaciological and geological research, and it is operating in one of the most challenging environments on the planet.

Troll Sation, 72°00′42″South, 2°32′06″East, was originally built in 1989-1990, but its facilities were only suitable for summer use. In 2005, the station underwent an upgrade, including a construction of a 3,000-meter-long airstrip on the glacier. The upgrade was essential for maintaining a continuous, year-round presence in the region and for supporting research and logistics, including providing a transport route for other stations in Dronning Maud Land.

The station is approximately 235 km from the coast, a distance taking 3-5 days to cover with cargo. Troll houses six personnel during the harsh winter months, with up to 80 people arriving during the summer season.

After 35 years of service in one of the world’s harshest environments, the existing Troll Research Station is nearing the end of its lifespan. Looks like the old Troll station, being 32 years old, will be demolished. It has low capacity for research activities, unreliable buildings and technical systems, and needs to transition to renewable energy sources. The government has approved a concept for upgrading the existing Station with a new building to accommodate 65 personnel.

Statsbygg, the Norwegian government’s construction agency, has initiated the process to find a contractor to build a new Research Station at Troll in Antarctica. This will be one of Norway’s most unique construction projects over the next decade.

This is an important step towards a functional, upgraded research station that meets today’s requirements for Polar research in one of the world’s most exposed areas,” says John Guldahl, project manager at the Norwegian Polar Institute.  Funding has so far been allocated for a design phase with the contractor, consultants and architect. Detailed design and construction are subject to parliamentary approval and budget allocation for project execution.

Thanks and Credit to: https://www.sciencenorway.no/antarctica-ntb-english-science-policy/norway-will-spend-over-300-million-usd-to-build-a-research-station-in-antarctica/2147064

Read more at: https://npolar.no/en/troll/

We got a chat with David, F4FKT/FT4YM, who is getting ready to his new Antarctic adventure. David was on the way home, coming back from a fire station call. Even if it was late, we had a chance to know that his medical visits was perfectly in order and he is ready to depart October 20^th for his long journey to Antarctica.
(On the pic aside Danilo IZ1KHY & David FT4YM)

From November 2025 to February 2026, David will be on air again from Dumont d’Urville  Station (WAP FRA-Ø1), Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3), Little Dome C (WAP MNB-15).

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David said: «Thanks again for WAP site, an infallible source of information! I’m waiting for confirmation, but maybe a couple of new one WAP references could be on air…to be continued»

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On the mean time David say appreciation to Mehdi F5PFP for the appeal launched among the OMs for a donation that will allow the construction of a lightweight amplifier to reduce the weight of the luggage to be carried in Antarctica. Looks like the works on this new RF amplifier, seems to proceeding well.

David sent also a link posted on Youtube there is an interesting interview (in French)made by  Dimitri F4FLH where he welcomed F4FKT, about his career, his mobile and cell phone traffic struggles a radio amateur stationed at Dumont d’Urville, Cabane Marret, Concordia Station in Antarctica and  how he keeps his passion for radio alive, even at the ends of the earth.

TNX David F4FKT/FT4YM

 Note: If other Hams wish to send some help to contribute to the realization of the new lightweight amplifier for David’s 2025-2026 Antarctic season activities, can contact Mehdi F5PFP and arrange with him the donation sending procedure.

Perseus Airstrip is a key logistics hub in East Antarctica, specifically within Dronning Maud Land (DML), serving as the main gateway for the Princess Elisabeth Antarctica (PEA) research station (WAP BEL-Ø2). Located about 60 km north of PEA and 450 km east of Novo Runway (WAP MNB-Ø6), it allows for direct, intercontinental flights from Cape Town, South Africa, significantly reducing travel time and costs for scientists and researchers.

Situated at 71°25’42” South and 23°33’57” East, on a blue ice field near Romnoes, a nunatak, Perseus Airstrip is part of the DROMLAN network, responsible for logistics in Dronning Maud Land region of East Antarctica. Under ALCI (Antarctic Logistics Center International), the logistics service provider in DROMLAN based in South Africa, the new airstrip is partly maintained by the BELARE (Belgian Antarctic Research Expedition) team members and will allow savings of both time and money for scientists doing research at the Princess Elisabeth Station and its vicinity.

The first intercontinental flight from Cape Town landed at Perseus Airstrip on November 22, 2019. Scientists from various research projects, including CHASE, MASS2ANT, and LOSUMEA, were among the first to utilize the new airstrip which is also crucial for accessing the upcoming Andromeda Station.

The 3 km-long Perseus Airstrip sits atop a blue ice field close to rounded Romnoes nunatak. The climate at this location is quite dry, with very little snow accumulation. This is due in part to the fact that the airstrip sits on the leeward side of Romnoes, allowing it to be partially protected from katabatic winds from Antarctica’s interior, and snow accumulation. This makes bulldozing maintenance to smooth out the airstrip easier than it would be at other locations.

Sitting on solid blue ice in a cold environment that never goes above freezing also means that the airstrip won’t be at risk of melting during the austral summer, which can sometimes happen at stations at the coast when temperatures get warmer.

Perseus Airstrip will be add in next release of the WAP-WADA Directory as MNB-NEW

See also: http://www.antarcticstation.org/multimedia/picture_gallery/landing_of_first_intercontinental_flight_at_perseus_airstrip

Supporting scientific research on the highest, driest, coldest, windiest, and emptiest place on Earth requires exceptional logistics and planning expertise.

A few of the unique challenges include managing the world’s longest supply chain, building airfields on ice and snow, working in the world’s worst weather conditions, managing remote field camps, maintaining ice-breaking research vessels, and maintaining the largest research stations and laboratories on a bitterly cold and isolated continent.

Leidos is the prime contractor for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) United States Antarctic Program (USAP).

NSF and the and the USAP have been an anchoring U.S. presence in Antarctica since 1956 through an active and influential scientific research program, supporting unique fundamental discovery research that can only be conducted in Antarctica and studying the Antarctic and its interactions with the rest of the planet.

If you’re ready to apply your expertise in one of the most challenging and extraordinary environments on Earth, check “Work in Antarctica”

Read more at: https://www.leidos.com/capabilities/mission-operations/antarctic-support-contract.

TNX and Credit to: Leidos.com

The DX world and the great “Ham Radio  family” lose another important pillar!
Horacio Henrique Ledo, LU4DXU, was  70 years old (*march 9 1955, +july 10-2025). We shared a passion for Antarctica, and over nearly 50 years of activity, we joined  experiences and emotions that only radio can provide.

Horacio LU4DXU  was a great DXer with several expeditions under his belt, such as CEØY, 8Q7, and then Antarctica, which became his true strength. His great skill in organizing skeds with the Argentine bases, where he himself operated on more than one occasion, will remain in our memories.

From information gathered from friends in Buenos Aires, it seems that Horacio was victim of a fatal domestic accident that happened at the beginning of july 2025. Horacio was a volunteer civilian staff member of SARA, the Auxiliary Service of the Navy.

WAP did received  a statement:
“El Servicio de Informática, Comunicaciones y Ciberdefensa de la Armada, Departamento Comunicaciones , Servicio Auxiliar de Radioaficonados de la Armada, se dirige a todos sus integrantes, voluntarios del SARA, para expresar las más profundas condolencias, por el reciente fallecimiento, del Sr. Horacio Ledo, integrante voluntario, LU4DXU, ocurrido el día 10 de julio;  deseando que su alma descanse en paz, y que encuentren pronto la resignación a tan enorme perdida”.

With him, another great radio personality, a friendship followed for many years, has passed away. His loss leaves a great void in our hearts, but he will always be remembered for his sincerity, professionalism, and kindness.

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Ciao Horacio we’ll miss you, Rest in Peace. Our deepest sympathy to his family

The Polar DX Community, is sad for the departure of one of his veteran: Nick S Povalyaev RD2DA ex R1FJV (Heyss Island), R1FJL, RA0BC (Dickson Island), UA1O/UA0BCA and 4K2BCA (Victoria Island); it was a bad news  today to learn that  our polar friend Nick Povalyaev, 4K2BCA became S.K.

Thanks to Oleg UA6GG for the Biography  notes of Nick Povalyaev,  born in Yelets, Lipetsk region, in 1945.

From  1964-1967, Nick served in the army in the city of Tbilisi. From 1974 to 2001 he worked in the Dixon Hydrometeorological Service, to Franz Josef Land: 1977-1980, to  Rudolph island 1985-1994 and  Victoria island UA0BCA/UA1O, R1FJV, 4K2BCA from 1995 to 2001 as chief of the Polar Meteo Station Observatory,  named after Krenkel’s on Victoria Island (Pics below, show the Radio shack at Victoria Island).

               
VICTORIA ISLAND activity by Nick Povalyaev:  Previous activities (no matter how old they were)  began to be counted for this island, were only three of his  callsigns has been active at that time: UA0BCA/UA1O, 4K2BCA, R1FJ. Each specific contact  with  R1FJV, sounded from Heiss Island. In any case, the Polar Station on Victoria Island existed only until 1994, so if some chasers  have contacts  with R1FJV after that year, then this is a different island.  
TNX UA6GG @ DX Trophy

Victoria Island on the Franz Josef Land Archipelago in the Arctic (80° 9’ North, 36° 46’East) was activated  by Nikolay Povalyaev (1985-1991 as UA1O/UA0BCA, then 1991 to 1994 as 4K2BCA and, lastly 1994 when the station was closed  Nick operated from different locations as R1FJV.

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We know that North and South Poles represent two vital areas for climate regulation, scientific research, and understanding our planet. They are also areas of growing concern due to the impacts of climate change. 

Both Poles are two critical regions on Earth, playing a vital role in regulating global climate and providing unique scientific research opportunities. They are characterized by extremely cold temperatures, unique ice formations, and distinct seasonal changes, making them unlike any other place on the planet.

But, both the Arctic and Antarctic regions host numerous scientific research stations dedicated to studying polar environments. These stations, operated by various countries, facilitate research across diverse fields like atmospheric science, biology, glaciology, and more. 

Our sincere condolences  to the family, our sympathy for the emotions Nick has given us, Old Timers as him, when 40 years ago, we was delighted to hear and work him on HF.
Pictures on this article supplied by Oleg UA6GG @DX Trophy

Rest in Peace Nick S Povalyaev,  we are keeping a nice recall of you!

Arctic and Antarctic are Earth’s two polar regions, but they differ significantly in geography and climate. The Arctic is primarily an ocean covered by ice and surrounded by land, while Antarctica is a continent covered by a massive ice sheet, surrounded by ocean.

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Polar philately is a specialized area of stamp collecting that focuses on the postal history and related materials from the Arctic and Antarctic regions, including their surrounding areas. It encompasses a wide range of items such as stamps, covers (envelopes), postal stationery, and other documents related to polar expeditions, aerophilately, and military postal history.

Today, thanks from special friends, we show two covers of both Polar Emispheres for  the pleasure of fans and WAP followers.
Enjoy Antarctica (and the Arctic) as much as we do!

In September 2025, Australia’s world class research science and Icebreaking ship RSV Nuyina will make the two-week voyage from its home port of Hobart to HIMI, where it will stay for 10 days.

Australian Antarctic Division will lead expeditioners and scientists working with the Australian Antarctic Program on two voyages to Heard Island and McDonald Islands (HIMI)

Heard Island is a land of fire and ice, home to Australia’s only active volcano, with 12 major glaciers carving through the landscape and penguin and seal colonies dotting the coastline.  With the nearby McDonald Islands, they are one of Australia’s most remote territories, located in the southern Indian Ocean, 4,000km south-west of the Australian mainland.

The campaign, using Australia’s icebreaker, RSV Nuyina,  will be the Australian Antarctic Program‘s first visit to Heard Island in more than 20 years, and will check on the state of the islands’ unique flora and fauna.

Read more at: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2025/australian-antarctic-program-heads-to-heard-island-for-the-first-time-in-decades/

Thanks and credit to: Australian Antarctic Program

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It will be great if the Expedition can carry on some Ham radio operators and be active from both Heard  (WAP AUS-Ø7) as well as Mc Donald islands .. this one in particular, could became a “New One”!

HMS Protector, a Royal Navy ship, was given the award by Cambridge City Council at the city’s military fair last month.
The vessel, an ice patrol ship usually based in Antarctica, has been recognised for its ongoing contributions to researching climate change and works with two research organisations from Cambridge, the council said.
Dinah Pounds, Labour councillor who presented the award, said: “We are very grateful for their work and contributions to tackling climate change.  Working in the Antarctic, the ship has supported scientific research, wildlife mapping, researching changing climate and the continent’s shifting waters”.

This work is carried out by the Scott Polar Research Institute and the British Antarctic Survey,  both based in Cambridge.
Pound added: “We declared a climate change emergency in 2019, and lot of work has gone into making Cambridge more climate resilient. “This is a wonderful way to show support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.”

The Freedom of the City parade at Parker’s Piece included people from HMS Protector, armed forces veterans and cadets.

Capt Tom Weaver said he looked “forward to strengthening the relationship” between the city and the ship while they continued their “research into the impacts of climate change and human activity” on the south pole continent.

Thanks and credit to: BBC
Read the full article at: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce37xgqn2gdo

It is with immense regret and deep sorrow that we learn the sad news: last July 17th at the age of 102, our good friend and keen Antarctic chaser Jean Pierre Tendron F5XL passed away.

Jean Pierre turned 102 last April 14^th!
We’re saddened by the news of his passing. Our hearts go out to his family and relatives with our sincere heartfelt condolences

Until 2015, at the venerable age of 92, F5XL never missed a single meeting in Mondovì (Italy), and then, he always kept us close in his thoughts when he couldn’t find anyone willing to make the 4-hour journey bringing him to attend the rendezvous with the yearly participants!

Jean Pierre F5XL own WAP-WACA no. 81 on February 12, 2007, with 119 confirmed Antarctic Stations and the Honor Roll WACA nr. 11 as well as WAP-WADA nr. 100 with 77 Antarctic Bases Basi and Honor Roll WADA nr. 14 on the same date

The community of the WW Antarctic chasers among the friend of ARI Mondovì (Italy) who use to set the Antarctic, IFF and DCI Meetings, are sure that the dynamism and enthusiasm that Jean Pierre, F5XL (pic on the right with Max IK1GPG) has passed on, will remain an unforgettable and beautiful memory as well as stimulus to continue our passion for the White Continent.

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Dear Jean Pierre, now you can fly among the castles, amidst the green flora and the pristine white of the Antarctic expanses. Your memory will stay with us forever.

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is about to embark on an ambitious infrastructure renewal program to make Davis Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø3, established in East Antarctica in 1957) a safer, more comfortable and more energy efficient place to live and work.

Last month of May, AAD signed an agreement  with a construction and design consortium to deliver the $250m program of works, which will start with an upgrade of the station’s water and power supplies. “Davis can’t sustain a full population because of water limitations,” the Australian Antarctic Division’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery, Matt Wuersching, said.

“It’s the only Sation where we have to produce water;  all the other stations have their own fresh water source.” Limited access to water means numbers on Station also have to be restricted. “At the moment we’re restricted to between 63 and 73 expeditioners – down from a possible 88 – to manage the water,” Mr Wuersching said.

Read more at: https://www.antarctica.gov.au/news/2025/deal-signed-to-kickstart-davis-critical-infrastructure-project/?fbclid=IwY2xjawLP57dleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBlcG1wQkNQeXptRlRMYnlMAR43-ghgvtQ_N7zR32UW88B_O8M2w-dZyQ45Dyv0oFCOzQ0_l7T3LDdvxhlIHA_aem_9GQ5dKb4GZh3i1DLytdRqg

TNX and credit: AAD

Establishing Davis station
Phillip Law was the first director of the Australian Antarctic Division. He used Wilkins’ information to work out a location for a new Australian Antarctic Station. In early 1954, Law visited on the way from the recently established Mawson Station (WAP AUS-Ø4). After a few years of planning, in January 1957 Law led a voyage to establish Davis Station.
After 2 days on the Kista Dan searching for a good anchorage and fresh water sources, Law decided to locate the station on a small rocky plateau above a black sandy beach. On 13 January, a small ceremony was held to officially open the new station. It was named after Antarctic legend, John King Davis , captain of the ships Aurora (1911–14) and Discovery (1929–31) — used by Douglas Mawson on his expeditions. After the ceremony, unloading continued and the Kista Dan sailed on 20 January. Later in the season, the ship made a return visit to Davis to drop offsledge dogs. Expeditioners spent the first 2 years learning about the Vestfold Hills and developing essential station services. The first party to winter in the Vestfold Hills was not completely isolated. Auster aircraft flew between Mawson and Davis several times to exchange personnel and supplies. In January 1965, Davis was temporarily closed to concentrate resources on building Casey Station Station (WAP AUS-Ø2). Davis was reopened on 19 February 1969, and has operated continuously since.

Thanks and Credit to: Davis station: a brief history – Australian Antarctic Program

New releases  (1.46 of July 1Øth 2025) of WAP-WADA, WAP-WADA and WAP-LH  has been up loaded on,  and are now available to chasers and Antarctic followers.
WAP WADA & WACA have been updated by the addition of the last New Entry; in particular, on WAP-WACA (Worked Antarctic Callsigns Award) we have now a dedicated section for /AM (Aereonautical Mobile), /Mobile (activities done from onboard of Polar vehicles). Those stations are only listed on WAP-WACA directory as a specific location (Lat/Long) is not defined.

All the operations for which Latitude & Longitude as well as site names  are given, are listed on WAP-WADA Directory.

Also,  an updated release of WAP Antarctic & Peri Antarctic Light Houses has been loaded on.
TNX Pedro Sarli LU1JHF for his invaluable help.

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Check: WAP-WADA  at: https://www.waponline.it/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wap_wada_2025_directory.pdf
WAP-WACA at: https://www.waponline.it/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wap_waca_2025_directory.pdf
WAP-LH at: https://www.waponline.it/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/wap_directory_2025-LH.pdf

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TNX Max IK1GPG

On last June 26, July 2, and 3, Hams from ARI-Milan (IQ2MI) and Adri-Antartica did broadcast a message of peace and international scientific cooperation from the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology in Milan, embracing the values ​​of the Antarctic Treaty.

The aim of the event,  was to pay tribute to the Italians who supported Italy’s accession to the Antarctic Treaty, especially the Ham radio operator Renato Cèpparo (I1VZP), who operated as I1SR/MM and /P from the “Giacomo Bove Base” on the Antarctic Peninsula in 1975-76.

The idea, originated in FVG Region, home to the Cervignano del Friuli’s National Antarctic Memorial, where Italian Antarctic research originally began, on November 13, 1975, when the M/V C. Colombo set sail from Trieste, carrying the prefabricated stuff used to build the first Italian Research Station: the Giacomo Bove Base, on King George Island, South Shetlands, Antarctica.

The II2ATCM  (WAP-355) was made possible thanks to the crucial hospitality of the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum and the invaluable support of WAP, ARI-MI, and AGB&M (Giacomo Bove & Maranzana), who sponsored the initiative, under the auspices of the Italian Geographic Society and the Italian Alpine Club. The project coordinator, Prof. Ph.D Julius Fabbri, teacher and radio amateur (IV3CCT), did plan the radio initiative which take place in conjunction with the activities of the 47th ATCM, Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings and CEP 27, Committee for Environmental Protection, in agreement with the Museum and with the invaluable logistical support of ARI-Milan

The goal, Fabbri said, was to spread a message of peace on the fiftieth anniversary of the Giacomo Bove Base, the first Italian research outpost on the White Continent. II2ATCM operation served as a fitting reminder of the dismantling of the G. Bove Base by the Argentine Navy, which occurred between October 2 and 4, 1976, eight months after the research station’s inauguration, while the Base was closed and uninhabited for its normal winter break.

Prof. Fabbri (seen on the pics) remarks that, the proposed new historic site for the ruins of Base G- Bove (WAP ITA-Ø2) could be number HSMs 97, following the recent addition of Shackleton’s Endurance. Last but not least, the entire “Bove” initiative also aims to publicize the project to build a small church at the Italian Mario Zucchelli Base  as  W.A.P., is been asking the institutions for over twenty years.
QSL for II2ATCM will be managed by IQ2MI

TNX Prof. PH.D Julius Fabbri IV3CCT, e-mail j.fabbri@virgilio.it

WAP Antarctic and Sub Antarctic Bulletin nr. 3Ø8 of June 30th 2025, is available to download.

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Go to: waponline.it/…ds/2025/07/WAP-Bull_308.pdf and get it 

TNX Max IK1GPG & Betty IK1QFM as well as to the Antarctic Chasers and friends   who did provide the information.

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New release of WAP WADA & WAP WACA Directories will be available within a week or so. For now, enjoy the hot summetime in the Northen emisphere and think how fresh and cold is the Icy Continent now….

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Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do …since 45 years now!

From June 27 to 29, 2025, Friedrichshafen Ham Radio has been once again a meeting point where, amateur radio fans from around the world are converging on.

As Europe’s largest trade fair for amateur radio, HAM RADIO offers the perfect platform for radio enthusiasts from all over the world. Exhibitors and visitors come to Friedrichshafen from over 59 countries to explore the entire spectrum of the radio universe in three exhibition halls and the Foyer West. A unique aspect of HAM RADIO is the combination of trade exhibitors, internationally networked associations and Europe’s largest radio flea market.

In this context our good friend Gabry IK1NEG, keen Antarctic hunter, has got a chance to meet a well known Antarctic veteran, Volker Strecke DL8JDX who did present his new book “Expedition Antarktika”

Volker said: «The sales of my two books in German language went well. The English version will follow after selling more German books». Volker is also trying to find out whether there would be any interest in an Italian or French version. In this case he should find a person able to translate the manuscript! 
Volker, Ex-Callsigns: DM3LTG, Y43UG, Y24LN, Y88POL, DP0GF, DP0GVN was member of several Antarctic Expeditions:
1988-89 Y88POL Georg-Forster-Base
1990-92 Y88POL Georg-Forster-Base
1992-94 DPØGVN Neumayer-Base

Gabry add: I have been Very pleased to have met DL5LX, another top Antarctic Veteran, and several long time DX friends such as Luis CT4NH, E77DX Braco, OE3FTA Flo & Ljuba YU5EA, Baldur DJ6SI and few others; “It has been a great deal of pleasure”, IK1NEG said.   
TNX IK1NEG & DL8JDX

Italy in Antarctica is a project promoted by the National Scientific Commission for Antarctica (CSNA), with the support of the Ministry of University and Research, the project is implemented by MNA (National Museum of Antarctica) and CNR (National Research Council), in collaboration with ENEA – National Agency and OGS, as part of the education and spreading activities of the PNRA.

The exhibit was presented in Milan on the occasion of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meetings (ATCM), which began on June 23 and will continue until July 3, 2025. The exhibit will be part of a larger exhibition celebrating 40 years of Italian presence in Antarctica, which will be presented in December 2025 at the CNR headquarters in Rome.
TNX and Credit: https://www.ogs.it/it OGS – Istituto Nazionale di Oceanografia e di Geofisica Sperimentale

To celebrate the event and to recall the 50^th Anniversary of the Italian Base ”Giacomo Bove” (WAP ITA-Ø2) special station II2ATCM (WAP-355) has been on air today June 26^th  and will be on sporadically till July 3^rd. Prof. Ph.D Julius Fabbri is working hard to get the ruins of what remains in the Antarctic peninsula of the Italian Giacomo Bove Station (WAP ITA-02). into the list of the Historic Site and Monuments (HSMs). Provisional name of the site could be “Giacomo Bove ruins” where the private expedition led by  Renato Cepparo I1SR made several contacts during his staying there while building the Base in 1975-1976.

(Picture aside shown the G.Bove Memorial built in Italy in the school where Prof. Fabbri teaches science)

TNX Prof. Ph.D Julius Fabbri IV3CCT

WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) wish a real great time to the researchers and personnel who are wintering over in the Icy Continent.
June 21st marks the longest night in the Southern emisphere and in Antarctica today is the “Midwinter“, a day of fest , songs and pictures , an opportunity to exchange greetings from the neighbouring  colleagues in the long South Polar night.

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Happy
Mid Winter
with few pics  from some of the Antarctic Bases

WAP, and enjoy Antarctica as much as we do!

47th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting & 27th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection will be held in Milan, Italy from  June 23rd through July 3th 2025

For this coming event a special callsign II2ATCM (WAP-355) will be on air in this time (June 23-July 3) operating from the famous Museo della Scienza Leonardo da Vinci in Milan.

Main promoter of the event is Prof. PhD Julius Fabbri (pic aside) IV3CCT (aka II3BOVE) who wrote:
«Adri-Antartica and ARI-MI are going to transmit a message for peace and international scientific cooperation from the Museo della Scienza Leonardo da Vinci in Milan. The Ham Radio event will be held in  harmony with the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty, on the 50^th Anniversary of the Giacomo Bove Base (WAP ITA-Ø2), in conjunction with the 47th Meeting of the Antarctic Treaty in Milan. During this institutional event, which is independent and separate from the radio operation, Adri-Antartica meets the Polish Delegation to define the conclusion of the candidacy process as a Historical site of the remains of Giacomo Bove Base (WAP ITA-Ø2) dismantled and removed by the Argentines in 1976.

Next year, the descendants of Cav. Renato Cèpparo (I2VZP) who did operate from Antarctica with the callsign I1SR/MM and I1SR/P are going to set a private Expedition to the site in Antarctica where Cepparo and his team built the first Italian Base. Main objective of this operation is to make a documentary, scientific research on the stone glacier present in Italia Valley and put a metal plaque already approved by the Argentines, prelude to the official Historical Site.

The message of peace also includes the celebration of the project to create a small Church in Antarctica in the Italian Mario Zucchelli Base (WAP ITA-Ø1), a twentieth-year initiative of the Worldwide Antarctic Program, the only portal that collects the radio data of all the radio amateurs in the world operating in the Ice Continent. Thank the Museum for its kind hospitality and WAP for its kind patronage»

TNX IV3CCT Prof. Ph.D Julius Fabbri.

On last June 12.2025 WAP got two sad messages: Two Polar Hams radio amateurs went SK. Pavel Petrovich Budanov (Pavlo) UX2HO/EM1HO from Poltava (UKR) and Marek Kraszula SP3GVX/HF0POL from Sljubice (Poland).

Paul Budanov UX2HO/EM1HO replaced Pavlo Tarasovych UT1KY (ex EM1KY, VP8/UT1KY, LU1Z/UT1KY) at Vernadsky Academic Station (WAP UKR-Ø1) and UT1KY wintered in the years 2000-2001 with Marek (Picture aside) when SP3GVX/HF0POL was on Henrik Arktovsky (WAP POL-Ø1).
UT1KY recalls: “When I was on Vernadsky, I did use to chat with Marek every dayin the evening, and we had a constant radio contacts. When Marek did end his time in Antarctica, he came to visit me to Ukraina”.

The staff of the Ukrainian National Antarctic Research Center wrote: «It is with deep sadness that we announce that on June 12 of this year, at the age of 65, Pavlo Petrovich Budanov UX2HO, (pic below to the Right) a Ukrainian Polar explorer and radio operator, passed away.  As a communications administrator, he wintered at the Akademik Vernadsky Station three times: in the second (1997-1998), sixth (2001-2002), and ninth (2004-2005) Ukrainian Antarctic Expeditions.  Pavlo Petrovich was fond of radio work since childhood and devoted more than 50 years of his life to it. He was an avid radio amateur, had the title of Master of Sports of the USSR in radio sports, and repeatedly became the champion of Ukraine in radio communications and amateur radio triathlon».

On Febr. 2-2015, another great friend, Georgy Chliyants (UY5XE) published a list of Amateur radio callsigns active from BASE “F” FARADAY (WAP GBR-Ø6)from 1963  till 1981:
VP8AAO, VP8AEG, VP8AEI (1981), VP8AEJ, VP8AEN (1981-83), VP8AGJ, VP8AJZ, VP8AQA (1983-84), VP8BQX, VP8BXQ (1989), VP8CME, VP8CQC (1995), VP8CRE (1995), VP8EE (1961 – prima attività!), VP8FAR (1977-78/91-93), VP8GAV (1991-93), VP8IK (1963/66), VP8IU (1967), VP8JI (1967), VP8JV (?), VP8MH (1971), VP8MJ (1971), VP8MS (1972/74/93), VP8NO (1976), VP8OB (1975-76), VP8OT (1976), VP8PB (1976), VP8QI (1977-79), VP8SB (1983), VP8ST (1971), VP8SU (1979).

On February 17, 1996, by decree of Her Majesty and the decision of the Government of Great Britain, Base “F” Faraday  Antarctic Station was donated to Ukraine and given the name “Akademik Vernadsky”.

Operators of the station “Akademik Vernadsky”:
15.12.1995-16.02.1996 – Roman Bratchik (UX1KA): VP8CTR
17.02.1996-24.10.1998 – Roman Bratchik (UX1KA): EM1KA [28627 QSO]
15.04.1996 to the present– club LRS: EM1U
28/02/1997-15/03/1998 – Pavel Budanov (UX2HO): EM1HO [45500 QSO]
16/03/1998-05/03/1999 – Oleg Satyrev (UR8LV): EM1LV [15954 QSO]
04.08.1999-29.03.1000 – Alexander Miho (UR5KGG): EM1KGG [571 QSO]
02/04/2000-07/02/2001 – Pavlo Tarasovich (UT1KY): EM1KY [15000 QSO]
23/02/2001-25/02/2002 – Pavel Budanov (UX2HO): EM1HO [40450 QSO]
02/07/2001-?.02/2002 – Igor Klubuk (UR5KCC): EM1KCC]
?.02.2002-?.03.2003 – Alexander Miho (UR5KGG): EM1KGG
?.03.2003- ?.03.2004 – Roman Bratchik (UT7UA): EM1KA]
28/02/2004-27/03/2005 – Pavel Budanov (UX2HO): EM1HO [28700 QSO]

TNX Pavlo Tarasovych UT1KY
While we share the memory of these two friends who are no longer among us, WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program) expresses its sincerest sympathy and condolences to the families of these two Antarctics who were able to give us, through the radio waves the emotions of several QSOs. R.I.P.

Dundee is one of the largest cities in Scotland, which is located along the Firth of Tay, very beautiful, natural habitat. A popular Dundee tourist attraction exploring the city’s maritime history, is Dundee Heritage Trust at Discovery Point, which includes Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration ship RRS Discovery, which is currently undergoing a major restoration project.

Discovery Point is the home of the Royal Research Ship Discovery, an icon of scientific exploration and adventure inspiring millions of people around the globe since her launch in 1901. The Captain Scott’s Antarctic exploration ship, RSS Discovery “one of the world’s most-important historical vessels” has been beautifully restored and visitors can explore the engine room, cargo hold, galley, mess deck, chart room and the relatively luxurious officers’ Wardroom with Captain Scott’s cabin looking as if he’d just left.

RRS Discovery is known for being the last three- masted vessel built from wood in Britain. Discovery Point is a place where you can see the beauty of Polar Regions trough special effects and audio-visual presentations.

Before embarking on the RRS Discovery, visitors are taken through a series of exhibition areas that explain the purpose of Scott’s mission, the construction of the Discovery, and the equipment used for Antarctic exploration in the early 1900’s.

It really is worth reading the details as there are some fascinating facts, but don’t worry as there are also films that explain the history of Antarctic Exploration and the RSS Discovery.

Embark on an intrepid voyage through time at Discovery Point, the perfect destination for adventurers of all ages. Explore the pioneering Royal Research Ship Discovery and uncover the stories of her illustrious past, from her beginnings in the shipyards of Dundee and her legendary Antarctic expedition of 1901 under Captain Scott, to her many adventures beyond. Step aboard and immerse yourself in the journey of Discovery!

Located at 79°35’ South, 83°48’ West ,“Three Glaciers Camp” is an exclusive retreat tucked away deep in the interior of Antarctica. Nestled at the base of Mount Sporli in the Ellsworth Mountains, this area is the definition of remote.

Three Glacier Camp, is the ultimate wilderness, surrounded by pristine views, untouched spaces, and profound silence; it lies at the head of three glaciers: Schneider, Schanz, and Driscoll.

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Schneider Glacier (79°29′S 84°17′W)
Schanz Glacier (79°45′S 83°40′W)
Driscoll Glacier (79°42′S 83°0′W)

Let’s see if the 2025-2026 Antarctic season will give the hunters a chance to log this brand new one… by now, we keep our finger crossed!

Three Glaciers Camp at 79°35’ South, 83°48’ West in the Ellsworth Mountains will be add to WAP-WADA Directory in the Multinational section as WAP MNB-NEW.

Our good friend Eddy De Busschere of the Belgian Polar Expedition Society (BPES), has kindly sent a couple of philatelic covers showing the Japanese Asuka and Dome Fuji Stations in Antarctica.

Eddy wrote: «I saw your remarks on QSL contacts via Asuka and Dome Fuji. These bases were Summer Bases and were not occupied the past years.

From the Belgian PES, a Team travels to Asuka to maintain the station. The Team at Asuka was from Luxemburg and Iran

To Dome Fuji there were several traverse parties to prepare the Station for further ice core drilling. The cover was signed by the Belgian Traverse Leader Alain Hubert, also Station Leader at PES».
TNX Eddy De Busschere  pole@telenet.be  
ASPP-PPHSGB-CEPP-Arge Polarphilatelie

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From the Ham Radio stand point, we hope some HF Radio activities, connected  to these remarkable joint ventures, can come on the air, particularly because  Asuka and Mizuho Stations are silent on air since about 35-40 years now!

Many Hams did work Dome Fuji  (WAP JPN-04) 22 years ago  on oct.2003!

After 30 incredible years of service, Ivan the Terra Bus has been retired from service to the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) McMurdo Station (WAP USA-22). For the last 30 years, Ivan the Terra Bus has dutifully transported people between Antarctica’s airfields and research stations. The 2024–25 summer season marked Ivan’s final days on the ice.
Ivan was not just any old bus; he was a legend at NSF McMurdo Station. It is estimated that over his 30-year stretch, Ivan carried more than 100,000 support personnel, NSF grantees and military support staff between the station and airfields, braving extreme conditions and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Arriving at McMurdo in 1993, Ivan weighed over 54,000 lb. without fuel, cargo or passengers. The massive bus sported a 300-horsepower engine, stretched nearly 46 feet long, could carry 56 passengers at a time, and reach a top speed of just over 20 mph. For those fortunate enough to ride in Ivan or take the wheel, the journey was unforgettable.
We bid farewell to Ivan, but the legacy will always live on in the stories of Antarctic adventurers.

Thanks and Credit to NSF-USAP

India plans to establish a new Research Station in Antarctica, named Maitri-2, to replace the aging Maitri Station, with operations scheduled to commence by 2029, enhancing India’s research capabilities in the region. This move aims to significantly enhance India’s research capabilities on the frozen continent, allowing for advanced studies in fields like climate change, glaciology, and biodiversity.

The proposed project envisages adherence to environmental protocols for Antarctica and improving the quality of Indian scientific research in Antarctica

Maitri-2 is intended to replace the existing Maitri station, which was built in 1988 and is now considered old.  The new Station will be located in East Antarctica, near the existing Maitri Station, and  is expected to be operational by 2029.

Maitri-2 will be a state-of-the-art facility that adheres to environmental norms and will be able to accommodate approximately 90 scientists. The new station will allow for advanced studies in fields like climate change, glaciology, and biodiversity, enhancing India’s research capabilities on the frozen continent.

India  has three permanent Research stations in Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri (decommissioned) WAP IND-Ø1, Maitri WAP IND-Ø3, Bharati WAP IND-Ø4 and Indian Bay Camp WAP IND-Ø2 (used as a supply Base and transit Camp for the Indian Antarctic Program.
Maitri-2 will be a “New entry”  on WAP WADA Directory when the base will be operational and “On the Air”.

Thanks for his availability, we got a change to work Denney VU2DGR who is actually at Bharati Base (WAP IND-Ø4) signing AT44I.

We experienced some better conditions on 20 mts in the morning from 05:00 to 07:00 UTC, where we log AT44I on different frequencies.
There will be other chances , for those who are still waiting to make contact, so give a glance to the Custer, keep your finger crossed  and stay tuned!

Thanks to Denney VU2DGR for his kindness to be on the air as per sked.
TNX also to Bhagwati VU3BPZ who have allow us to arrange the sked.

The Kharkovchanka (Russian: Харьковчанка) or Kharkivyanka (Ukrainian: Харків’янка, “Woman of Kharkiv“), is an Antarctic all-terrain vehicle produced in 1958; the basis of the vehicle, was the AT-T tractor. It was equipped with a 520 horse power diesel engine that, in addition to the weight of the vehicle (35 tons), could tow a trailer weighing 70 tons. Since it was designed for the exploration of the Antarctic, the ability to tow this amount of weight was essential for transporting the fuel needed for the expeditions.
The cabin contained seats for the driver and navigator, as well as 8 beds on two levels, a bathroom and a kitchen with the ability to heat canned food and drinks, a heater and a radio station. The cabin provided access to the Kharkovchanka engine, so that, if necessary, it could be repaired and maintained without leaving the heat. It appears that 5 were built. 

“Kharkovchanka” , the Russia’s Colossal Antarctic Cruisers  which have been continuously operating in some of the most extreme environments on Earth for over 50 years, was produced in the late 1950s in Kharkiv, when Ukraina was part of the Soviet Socialistic Republics.

These amazing Snow Cruisers featured everything a polar explorer could need in the field. In their half-century mission, they have crossed thousands of miles on Antarctic Ice, visited the South Pole, the Pole of inaccessibility as well the dozens of outposts and Research Stations on the Continent.

By the 39th Russian Antarctic Expedition, Vityaz DT-30Ps replaced the Kharkovchankas. Those were themselves later replaced by “PistenBully 300” Polar vehicles.

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The last of the Kharkovchankas was retired only a few years ago (in 2008) and is now standing as an “Historic Monument” at Progress Station (WAP RUS-11).

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While not directly related to philately, its unique history and role in Antarctica, have sometimes been commemorated through philatelic items like stamps or special covers.

VU2DGR, op Denney George (Home QTH Mavelikara, Kerala) is showing up from Bharati Research Station (WAP IND-Ø4) at Larsemann Hills signing AT44I.
Denney has been reported recently (25 & 28 April 2025) on 20 mts, 14244MHz (+/-)  around 05,00 UTC long path for EU, so, antenna pointed through the North.

VU2DGR, Denney George is working among the 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to the southern Continent. The 44th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (44-ISEA) has two potential return timelines depending on whether the scientist is working during the summer or winter season. Scientists working during the summer season (October-November 2024 to February-April 2025) would return by April 2025. Those working during the winter season would return between December 2025 and March 2026.

Finger crossed while hoping to put AT44I on the log.
QSL via VU2DGR.
Ads for direct QSL: 
Denney George, Kizhakkemala Kizhakkethil, Kunnam P.O, Mavelikara Alappuzha Kerala, 690108, India.

Departing from the Drake Passage (South America) on December 5, 2024, Fedor Konyukhov RØFK reached the longitude of Cape Agulhas (South Africa) in 68 days, setting a world record as the first person to row across the South Atlantic. He also celebrated his 73rd birthday in the South Atlantic on December 12, 2024.The estimated finish point in Western Australia is 3,270 miles away (6,100 km).
Fedor Konyukhov  was sailing on the rowing boat “AKROS” from Cape Horn (Peri Antarctic area) to Cape Luin (Australia). On February 6, at the border between the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans, a historic meeting of the scientific research vessel Akademik Fedorov and the AKROS boat took place.

Day 114. It was decided to end the expedition!
After assessing all the damages and malfunctions on board the AKROS rowing boat, the crew suggested that Fyodor Konyukhov complete the transition for technical reasons and evacuate aboard the passing vessel. This decision was supported by all the project partners.

In the coming days, on March 30-31, favorable weather will be established in the area where the AKROS boat is located. The vessel will be able to get close enough and launch a boat to arrange a transfer. They will try to raise the AKROS boat, if it fails, Fyodor Konyukhov will conserve all systems, close the hatches and drift towards Australia with the Iridium Rock Star satellite buoy turned on for possible further towing to the port.

The reasons for this decision.
At that moment, the boat’s key control and life support systems were out of order. Fedor confirmed that a new one was been added to the current malfunctions — the autopilot control unit has completely failed. This means that in the conditions of future storms, the boat would not be able to keep on the set course and it inevitably got sideways to the wave, which would  lead to new overturns and critical damage.

Read more on the official website: https://konyukhov.ru/en/news/

March 31, 2025
Early morning. A familiar call from a familiar Iridium number, as if it were another day of the expedition, but this is a different reality and Fyodor Konyukhov is in different conditions.

Fedor called in a good mood. “The first night, I slept on a flat bed and on white sheets. A hot shower, white sheets, a spacious cabin, no rocking, and a bed are luxuries. It’s some other world. All these days and nights I slept with my feet against the bulkheads, in the strut, the boat was falling from side to side. Saved the vest under my head. And there were two pillows and a bed that you can’t roll off!
I live on the lower deck, the porthole does not open. Breakfast is brought to the cabin (to the infirmary). Water in the cooler, drink as much as you want. They promised to take me on an excursion to the engine room. As a motorist, this is interesting to me (I served in the Baltic on medium amphibious assault ships in the BCH-5).
I’m getting used to Asian food, everything is very spicy and there are a lot of spices for me, I’m not used to such a variety of flavors. There are freeze–dried foods in the ocean every day. I looked at myself in the mirror, and I felt like I had lost 15 kilograms. I lost weight like this, three times: in 2000, when I ran in the IDITAROD dog sled race through Alaska, in 2012 after climbing Mount Everest, and in 2013 when we went skiing and dog sledding across the Arctic Ocean from the North Pole to Canada (Ward Hunt Island) with my friend Viktor Simonov. In all three expeditions, there was extreme physical exertion and plowing.
I’m going through yesterday’s evacuation again. 115 days in the ocean were difficult and risky, but the evacuation was the height of the risk. When people think that you called, a ship came to you and took you on board, this is a misconception. In the open ocean, especially in such latitudes, the chances of crossing without serious injury are 50-50. Thank God, I managed to get on board the cargo ship alive and well. The weather was optimal, we managed to get into the weather window, and if the weather was like on February 6, when the Akademik Fedorov was approaching, you couldn’t move in such weather.

WAP wishes readers and Antarctic enthusiasts a Happy Easter, a celebration of PEACE among peoples.

From Antarctica to the Arctic, from the North Pole to the South Pole, one word, “Peace”.
Peace  among Nations, Peace and serenity in all families.

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Happy Easter and Happy Easter holidays,                                                               20 April 2025

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Lt. Danilo Collino of the Italian Army, has been in Antarctica following the Summer season 2024-2025. Danilo did operate as IAØ/IZ1KHY and IAØ/IZ1KHY/P from various sites: Concordia Station (WAP MNB-Ø3), Mario Zucchelli Station (WAP ITA-Ø1),Little Dome C-Beyond Epica Camp (WAP MNB-15), IZ1KHY/IAØ/Mobile and Dome C-Summer Camp (WAP MNB-14).

5 different QSLs, one for each of the five locations,  are now ready to send. Hams who did work Danilo can request the cards which will be available (direct  only) through the

QSL Manager,  I1URL:
Orlando Collino,
Via V. Bersezio 1
12010 VIGNOLO (CN) – Italy 

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TNX Danilo Collino IZ1KHY