Russia has recently opened a new scientific wintering station in central Antarctica, marking a significant milestone in its polar research. After five years of work in extreme conditions, this modern facility, located at the Vostok Station, is now ready to host scientific explorers, announced the Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute on Tuesday, December 3.
This 3,000-square-meter building is designed to provide an optimal working and living environment for researchers, even in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth. Despite external temperatures reaching -80°C, the interior maintains a comfortable +25°C, thanks to advanced technology that has proven effective in testing.
Alexander Makarov, director of the institute, praised this achievement, highlighting the collective effort of the Russian teams. Transporting over 6,000 tons of equipment to remote areas and working at an altitude of nearly 3,500 meters, under temperatures of -60°C, was a true challenge, successfully met by Russian polar explorers.
This station, unique in central Antarctica, will serve as a strategic base for major scientific projects. It will notably allow for the study of Earth’s paleoclimate and the mysterious subglacial Lake Vostok, which has been trapped in ice for millions of years.
Starting in 2025, scientists plan to explore ice layers dating back 1.5 million years and develop technologies to study this unique lake. With this station, Russia reaffirms its commitment to polar research and positions itself as a key player in Antarctic science.
Source: la nouvelle tribune
