Categoria: News & Information

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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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

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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,

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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.

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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)

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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!