India successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica, recently.

Highlights

• The first batch of Indian contingent arrived at the southern white continent.
• First batch comprises of 23 scientists and support staff. They reached the Indian Antarctic station Maitri recently.
• Four more batches will land in Antarctica by air using DROMLAN facility. They will land by mid-January 2021, onboard chartered ice-class vessel MV Vasiliy Golovnin.

Major Programs of 41st expedition

41st expedition comprises of two major programs:

1. The first program is “geological exploration of Amery ice shelf” at Bharati station. This programme will help in exploring the link between India and Antarctica in past.
2. The second program is “reconnaissance surveys and preparatory work” to drill 500 meters of ice core near Maitri. This programme will help in improving the understanding of Antarctic climate, sea-ice, greenhouse gases from a single climate, and westerly winds.

Apart from accomplishing scientific programs, 41st expedition will replenish annual supplies of fuel, food as well as provisions & spares for operation & maintenance of life support systems set up at Maitri & Bharti.