Autore: Gianni Varetto

The Captain Pieter J. Lenie Base (WAP USA-12)  is an Antarctic summer base operated by the United States located at Copacabana Beach, Admiralty Bay (King George Island). About two kilometers northwest of this base, is the Polish Research Station Arctowski (WAP POL-Ø1).

Pieter J. Lenie Base, also known as Copa (short for Copacabana), consists of three small buildings at the foot of Rescuers Hills, near Liano Point. The field station is located at 62° 10′ South, 58° 28′ West at Antarctic Special Protected Area (ASPA) 128. It was originally set up in 1978 as a refuge Hut, and was substantially upgraded and formally named for Pieter J. Lenie (captain of the American Antarctic research ship R/V Hero) in 1985.

Originally established for the long-term study of Pygoscelis penguins that nest nearby. Scientific research done at the Base is focused on population and diet monitoring of the Adèlie penguin and Gentoo penguin colonies on the beach, as well as second-hand monitoring of Krill populations in the adjacent waters

Pieter J. Lenie Base is a real rare one fot many Antarctic chasers… who knows …  maybe, shortly  someone from the Polish  Arctowski Station,  could be there and activate it … let’s keep our finger crossed!

The new building of the Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station, will become operational in 2023. Two years earlier, as part of the tests, the structure will be assembled in Poland

«If everything goes according to plan, scientists will start using the new building in 2023»  says Deputy Administrative Director at the Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics PAS, Agnieszka Kruszewska, who add: « The station is a facility of this institution»

Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station (WAP POL-Ø1) located at 62°09’45” South,  58°27’45” West  is one of about 40 all-year stations in that part of the world. It is located in the southern hemisphere, in the South Shetland archipelago, on King George Island.

It started operating in 1977. When the main building of the station was originally built, it was several meters from the sea; now, at high water levels, that distance is less than a meter and for this reason the building is threatened with destruction. In addition, the outdated infrastructure of the station is worn out after many years of use in polar conditions. That is why for several years scientists have been seeking funds for the new building and its facilities.

The design of the new station was prepared in 2015 by Kuryłowicz & Associates. In November 2018, the Ministry of Science announced that it would provide a designated purpose to modernize the station`s infrastructure and build a new main building. Its layout will resemble a three-pointed star. In the heart of the station there will be a common space where residents will spend time.

The new main building of the station will accommodate up to 40 people who will be able to stay there all year. She adds that the working, living and technical service conditions will certainly improve.

The new building will be located 100 meters from the shoreline, on a stable surface. Geological analyses were carried out before choosing the location.

Read more at: The new Polish Antarctic station will become operational in 2023 | Science in Poland

The Islas Malvinas Refuge, originally Antonio Moro, is an Antarctic Refuge located  at 200 m a.s.l. at 63°25′ South, 56°58′ West, at Nunatak Nobby, Tabarin Peninsula, Bahía Esperanza .
It was inaugurated on August 20, 1955. It’s a  metal cabin 2 m x 2 m x 2 m x 3 m with provisions for 4 people for 15 days’ worth of food, fuel, gas and a first aid kit.

The original name of the shelter was a tribute to Antonio Moro (1906-1979), an italian immigrant who participated in the founding of San Martin Base (WAP ARG-Ø8) in 1951 and who built shelters in the area of the Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4)  in 1954, including the one that would bear his name​. It was renamed to its current name Refugio Islas Malvinas on 26 August 1971 and rebuilt in 1988.

Refugio Islas Malvinas (WAP ARG-New) is one of the 18 shelters that are under the responsibility of the Esperanza base, which is responsible for maintenance and care. It is administered by the Argentine Army.

The shelter square is located on a rocky promontory. From there there are views of the nearby Buenos Aires Glacier  (used for small plane descents), Mount Flora, and the Weddell Sea. In 1986 it was proposed that small contingents of tourists visit the refuge from the Esperanza Base.

WAP hopes that some days Refugio Islas Malvinas (WAP ARG-New)  will be shown up on the air … it’s a shame to know that it is visited regularly  and nobody thinks to activate it on HF.

TNX Gabry IK1NEG

Next Sunday,  october 29,  LU4ZS will be on air from  2 pm to 10 pm utc on 10, 20 and 40 meters SSB.
A commemorative digital QSL will be issued for this event .

October 29, marks the fifty-fourth anniversary (1969-2023) of the birthday of Marambio Joint Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-21). The Base owes its name to Gustavo Argentino Marambio, pioneer of Argentine aviation over the Antarctic sector. It was founded on October 29, 1969, and remains active throughout the year with a permanent population. ​

For this reason, the Marambio Base station LU4ZS, on the same Sunday, will put on the air a commemorative digital QSL that can be accessed by Argentine and foreign radio amateurs as well as SWL listeners from around the world.

The operation will be in SSB between 14:00 and 22:00 UTC on the 10, 20 and 40 meter bands, Contact information can be sent using the LU4ZS page on QRZ.com. A commemorative digital QSL onfirmation will be given in retourn.

Marambio Joint Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-21) is the main scientific station with permanent Argentine military support. The Base is under the Joint Antarctic Command and is located on Seymour Island (aka Marambio Island) on the Weddell Sea  at 64°14′ South, 56°38′ West, within the sector claimed by Argentina under the name of Antarctica Argentina.
TNX Carlos LU7DSY

Last mid september 2023, a patrol from the Joint Antarctic Base Belgrano II (WAP ARG-Ø6) carried out a reconnaissance of the march route between the Belgrano 2 Base and  the Sargento Roque Cisterna Refuge in the Little Wood Nunatak at 77°52’ South, 24°19’ West.
Once there, the group of Argentine Antarcticians have worked to install a VHF repeater. Argentines use a number of Refuges and Huts that serve a similar purpose to mountain refuges. They keep provisions in them constantly, repair them, and when  the need arises for scientific research, small groups go to them and get to work. It is a very economical and valuable plan, and it’s another indication of the splendid work that the Argentines do in Antarctica.

In general, these small buildings are wooden cabins with food, beds, fuel (gas and naphtha), dog food, bathrooms and first aid kit.

Dependent on the Belgrano II Base (WAP ARG-Ø6)  Refuge Sargento Roque Cisterna (WAP ARG-NEW) has been repaired in the 2016-2017 campaign and it was also part of the inspection plan 2021-2022

WAP hopes the next time another patrol going to visit the Refuge down there,  a radio operator could join together!  It would be very nice  to put in our Hamradio log a QSO from this brand “New One” Refuge .
Worldwide Ham radio are passionate about Antarctica. Having a chance to work a  New Antarctic Refuge, will be a priceless experience!

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Thanks to: Comando Conjunto Antartico (COCOANTAR) Argentina

Antarctica, this remote and mysterious Continent, arouses the curiosity of many people. If you’ve ever considered working there, you’ve probably wondered what the pay is for working in Antarctica. What follows, highlight  the different job opportunities on this Continent. To give a more accurate idea of salaries in Antarctica, here are some examples of compensation for different types of jobs:

Scientists & Researchers
Scientists can earn between €40,000 and €120,000 per year, depending on their area of research and level of expertise. Entry-level researchers or PhD students can expect a lower salary than senior researchers.

Technical & Logistics Staff
The salary for technical and logistics jobs in Antarctica usually ranges between €30,000 and €80,000 per year. Engineers, for example, can earn between €50,000 and €70,000 per year, while a mechanic or electrician can earn an annual salary of between €35,000 and €60,000.

Restaurant Jobs
Catering staff can expect an annual salary of between €20,000 and €45,000 in Antarctica. An experienced cook can earn up to €40,000 per year, while a waiter can earn a lower salary, around €25,000 per year.

To find job openings in Antarctica, it is recommended to check the websites of the organizations that run research bases on the continent. These organizations include:

• The French Polar Institute, which manages French Stations in Antarctica and regularly offers jobs and internships
• The British Antarctic Survey, which recruits for British bases in Antarctica
• The National Science Foundation, which manages U.S. stations in Antarctica

It is also possible to find job offers from private companies that specialize in organizing trips and expeditions to Antarctica.

Read more at: Working in Antarctica: the salary on the ice continent – French Polar Team (french-polar-team.fr)

The Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH) invites public and private institutions, organizations, research centers, educational establishments, among other entities, to serve as ambassadors of Antarctic knowledge, promoting the celebration of  “Antarctica Month 2023” in their communities. around November 6, Chilean Antarctic Day.

In this very special framework, INACH invites everyone to generate activities to spread the knowledge and appreciation of Antarctica everywhere. Knowing is the first step to appreciate and protect.

INACH wants to generate a synergy that allows to make visible the work of those who are bringing the White Continent closer to the citizens. To be part of the Antarctic Month program, INACH asks whose wishing to join, to complete the web form available at: https://forms.gle/fQYszAYG3tcjN82B7  . The maximum deadline is October 26 of this year.

This program of activities will be scattered on all platforms of the Chilean Antarctic Institute and on social media.

TNX INACH (Instituto Antarctico Chileno)

The first historic activation from the facilities of LRA 36 Radio National “Arcangel San Gabriel” at the Esperanza Antarctic Base (WAP ARG-Ø4) began on Monday, October 9th, with the Special Call L36Z.

Amateur Radio activities,will be carried out  with the purpose of contribute to spreading the presence and operation of the only Antarcticbroadcasting radio station.

The operation is in charge  of Prof. Juan C. Benavente, LU8DBS (LU8DBS/Z), who is located at Esperanza Base, coordinating the renovation and improvement tasks of LRA36, also operator of LU1ZV and now, with the special prefix L36Z, mostly 20 and 40 meters bands, SSB and FT8. QSL through LoTW, QRZ.COM. (pic aside)

 

The activation of L36Z is sponsored by the Radio Argentina Abroad Service (RAE), the “Uniendo Voces” project of the National University of Quilmes (UNQ), and has the special collaboration of the Radio Club Grupo DX Bahía Blanca, LU3DXG.

LRA 36,  Radio National “Arcángel Sas Gabriel”, is located at 63º 23′ South and 56º 59′ West, in the “Sargento Cabral” blockhouse at Esperanza Base, to the northern end of the Antarctic Peninsula. In front of the bay is the Antarctic Strait, and the Base is at the foot of Mount Flora, an important paleontological site. It is the only shortwave station that Argentina has in Antarctica, and transmits 15,476 KHz. Since this year, transmissions cover 12 months.

LRA 36 went on the air for the first time on October 20, 1979: at that time on  6,030 KHz, belonging to the Radio Nacional network, linked to the Radio Argentina Exterior service (RAE), whose director is Adrián Korol, LU1CQM.

Another milestone was the first Argentine Antarctic Radio Bulletin (RANTAR), which has been broadcast on LRA 36 and on Radio Amateur bands, since March 2023.

TNX Carlos Almirón LU7DSY

Congrats to Philippe Laurent F6FHO for the Top HR WAP WACA and WAP-WADA ceramic plates just issued.
It’s a sign of years of continue Antarctic hunting and we know how much passion (and loss of sleep…) is necessary to achieve such a prestogious aknowledgement!

These are handcrafted ceramic plates made by a local artisan workshop in the city of Mondovì (Italy).
WAP is happy to recognize the great goal, to the DXers who, after years of intense activity and search for rare stations on the Antarctic continent, can boast such prestigious results.
To Philippe F6FHO our best wish to continue his great DX hunting

Another sad news among the Antarctic chasers and Ham radio community. Prof. Carlo Raso, IK5IWU passed away last week at the age of 82.
Carlo, IK5IWU, was graduated in University of Rome, Faculty of Architecture. Master in “History of Art”. Teacher in “Ernesto Cairoli” High School in Varese (Italy), where he teached History of Art.

Keen DXer, Carlo has been the soul  and the organizator  of several Antarctic Activity Weeks mostly done at the Italian Air Force Bases. We must remember: II2AMI (WAP-2Ø), IO2MET (WAP-23), II2EFA (WAP-132) II5AM (WAP16Ø), IIØMETEO (WAP-19Ø).

We  really will miss him, a great friend and ardent Antarctic enthusiast

 

Here a brief comment by Ing. Gianluigi Prospero Ferrara IZ8EWB-KA2BZS:

«One of my dearest friends, Prof. Carlo Raso IK5IWU, flew into the sky.

With Carlo we did share many experiences in the aeronautical field, the last one was at the Pratica di Mare Military Air Base where we witnessed the non-destructive tests on the MB-339X and C-130JX experimental aircraft, ending with a launch of the sounding balloon at the AM Weather Station, hosted by Lt. Col. Massimo Morico.

Carlo was a teacher who inspired many young people, an exemplary father and a dear friend.

A true gentle giant.  Hello Carlo. R.I.P.»

TNX IZ8EWB

Another  Ham radio friend, Antarctic veteran has flown on heaven.
With sadness we must report the passing of Neil Conant N8BPR/KC4  last September 18, 2023, at the age of 86.

He was chief communications operator and supervisor at KC4AAA – South Pole Station (WAP USA-21) in support of the United States Antarctic Program. Neil spent a total of 15 austral summers at the pole from 1984–2001 and three summers were at Siple Station (WAP USA-24) in the 1980’s.

Bob Hines K4MZU wrote: «I know that  Neil was respected and loved. We will always remember him on the radio for many years to come. Conant Valley located between Duncan Bluff and Communication Heights in the southern part of the Darwin Mountains in Antarctica,  was named after Neil, a genuine veteran of the ice ».

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The pics attached show  QSL’s and a photo with Neil and Nikolai (UA3YH/KC4- R1ANM) when Nick visited South Pole Station.

Thanks to Les K03G/KC4 who worked with Neil for his updates.

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TNX K4MZU

Get to know the first Guatemalan Polar Institute in the city of Huehuetenango that has a museum called Polarium. Discover all the details of this wonderful destination so we can get to know it.

It is the first National museum that aims to present in a dynamic and interactive way how id the life in Antarctica. Polarium is a space created by Huehuetec scientist Ricardo Molina who traveled to  Antarctica in 2013 and was amazed by its beauty.
(Read more at: Ricardo Molina, el investigador guatemalteco que realiza proyecto en la Antártida (guatemala.com)

Upon entering this Polar Institute you will be able to find two large areas. The first is the museum area called Polarium, a destination where you can see unique scenarios with landscapes and animals that are characteristic of Antarctica.

In addition, you will find different infographics, informative videos, models, 3D figures, unique photographs and much more.

The second area is the Polar Laboratory, where scientific reports and experiments are carried out.

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Read more at: The Land of Young People (elpaisdelosjovenes.com)

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WAP and the entire Ham Radio world are anxious to see a Guatemalan expedition to Antarctica with Hams to put a “New One” on air!

More than 100 Russian Radio Amateurs are joining  a very  important event in the city of Orel.

Several of the best well known Russian callsign, those who we have on our logs since many years now are sitting up there. The conference celebration of the 30th Anniversary of the foundation of Russian Robinson Club has been inaugurated yesterday Friday afternoon  (RU local time) Sept 22^nd.

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UA9OBA Yuri Zaruba (Senior President),  RZ3EC Eugene Shelkanovtsev (Vice President) and  RA3NAN Sergey Morozov (Vice President) greeted the  Hams present and began the work of the conference which is still going on.
(Picture aside: L to R: RA3NAN, UA9OBA, RZ3EC)
Tomorrow a gala banquet will close the celebration. Unfortunately Valery Sushkov RW3GW the actual RRC President,  could not attend the event as he is busy in preparing a big project on bigfoot Yeti in Udmurtia.

Gianni, I1HYW on behalf of WAP (Worldwide Antarctic Program)  sent a video message with congratulation to the Russian Robinson club for the 30 decades  of continuous DX work  including several expeditions in Antarctica and in the Arctic as well as many rare islands all over the world!

The video was shown Friday at the opening ceremony.

To everyone involved,  our best Congratulation, We hope to see RRC soon on the air again from some rare spots maybe in the Arctic or Antarctica as they have accustomed us for many years!

Would anyone like to send a postcard from the penguin post office in Antarctica?

As part of the 80th birthday of Port Lockroy Base (WAP GBR-Ø1) and the 30th anniversary of the charity,  we’re offering the opportunity to send a limited edition postcard with a personalised message from Antarctica.
You can send postcard to yourself or a loved one and support the roof repair at the same time. Simply complete the form  at the bottom of the page of the link below, make your donation of £20 and the Antarctic team will do the rest.

They need to raise over £50,000 to enable the conservation efforts this year. You can play a part in Antarctica by sending your postcard, making a donation or sharing this story with your friends. Thank you.

Read more about sending  a postcard from Antarctica at: https://shop.ukaht.org/members/basket/guestcheckoutpostcard

The  20th W.A.P.  Meeting “Worldwide Antarctic Program”, together with the  22nd Diploma Castelli d’Italia e della Provincia di Cuneo”  and the 14th I.F.F.A. Meeting “Italian Flora Fauna Award” took place on Sunday 17th September in Northen Italy on the hills of the City of Mondovì.

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About a hundred Radio amateurs from different  Italian regions and some European countries met to discuss radio and all the activities connected to it.

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During the morning of Sunday 17 September one of the very important reports was presented by the Technical Award Manager of the Worldwide Antarctic Program, Massimo Balsamo IK1GPG, who addressed the problems inherent to long-distance radio  contacts with the “White Continent” and the respective and interesting Antarctic Diplomas WAP-WACA and WAP-WADA, known as they are difficult to reach.

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These long distance contacts (called DX) attract and are followed in particular by a good percentage of Radio Amateurs who can boast expertise and operational capacity as well as photographic archives and first-rate news on a global level.

The Australian expeditioner requiring urgent medical care has been airlifted in a “complex operation” from the Casey Research Station (WAP AUS-Ø2) in Antarctica to the icebreaker RSV Nuyina.

After breaking through sea ice, the Nuyina was able to reach a location near the Petersen Bank, about 144 kilometres from the research station, on Sunday, Sept.3rd.

“It’s the earliest we’ve ever gone to an Antarctic station,  just a day or two after the official end of winter,” Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) acting general manager of operations Robb Clifton said.

The Nuyina is expected to arrive back in Hobart this week, depending on Southern Ocean weather conditions.

The ship first embarked on the rescue mission last week, travelling nearly 3,500 kilometres from Hobart.

Read more at: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-09-04/antarctic-expeditioner-medical-evacuation-from-casey-station/102812494?fbclid=IwAR0LpxKZiivbSLWlQLLFThKzwnrY0i7ZJD8T26sUuxNoRI3AU0xe6ooUTwg

Thanks and credit: ABC.net and AAD

 

 

Another sad news!

Pierre D. Tromp, ZS1HF, passed away on September 4 at the age of 61.

Pierre has been active from  Gough Island Station  (WAP ZAF-Ø5) at 40° South, 9° West,  and  from the Old and New Marion Island Base (WAP ZAF-Ø6)  46° South, 37° East  in the Southern Indian Ocean  (See pic below; on theleft the Old Marion Base, on the  right,  the new one)

It was the time when amateur radio fashion was to use microphone  or CW key exchanging  RST and greetings and for us, radio veterans, that contacts were warm QSOs as opposed to the cold pressing of keys on a PC keyboard which i twill make for us an FT8 contact.

Pierre was a great operator  and he was able to manage hours of pileup in a professional way. His voice was unmistakable  and we still keep a good memory of him as well as his great activities as  ZS8M (Marion Base)  and ZD9M (Gough Station).

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WAP together with Antarctic enthusiasts  and followers, express their most sincere condolences to the family.
R.I.P.

Australia has launched an urgent operation to rescue a researcher with a “developing medical condition” from the remote Casey Research  Station (WAP AUS-Ø2) in Antarctica (picture aside).

The icebreaker RSV Nuyina left from Tasmania last week, the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) said. It is travelling thousands of miles to reach the Research Station after an air rescue was ruled out due to harsh conditions. The AAP said the researcher, an Australian, needs specialist treatment but did not name the condition.

Casey research station is a journey of 2,139 miles (3,443km) from Hobart in Tasmania and one of three permanent Antarctic stations run by the AAP

The,  has a top speed of 16 knots, or around 18 miles an hour, meaning a journey of several days. It is understood that an evacuation by air was not possible; the nearby  (WAP AUS-Ø5) Wilkins  Station’s aerodrome near Casey has an ice runway but is often unusable during the harsh winter.

Read more at: Australia launches mission to rescue Antarctic researcher – BBC News

Thanks and credit to: BBC News.

Antarctic Heritage Trust has named twenty-two young explorers from across the country to embark on the trip of a lifetime. Explorers aged 18-30 will join the ninth Inspiring Explorers Expedition^™, which is travelling to South Georgia Island.

Located in the remote South Atlantic Ocean, South Georgia Island has a reputation for the greatest density of wildlife on earth. It’s home to king penguins, fur seals, and 50 percent of the world’s southern elephant seals.

Not only is it the largest expedition yet, but it’ll also include the first Kiwi attempt of Mount Worsley in recognition of Kiwi explorer Frank Worsley, the mountain’s namesake.

In addition to the climbing team, each Inspiring Explorer will take part in an outreach project working in groups across topics such as climate change, education, history and science.

Read more at: Young Kiwi explorers announced for largest ever Inspiring Explorers Expedition™ | Antarctic Heritage Trust (nzaht.org)

Smyley Island is an Antarctic island lying off the Antarctic Peninsula at coordinates (72°55′South, 78°0′West). The island is 61 km (38 mi) long and from 13 to 34 km (8 to 21 mi) wide and  lies about 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) north of Case Island and the island connects to the Stange Ice Shelf. Smyley island is one of the 27 islands of Palmer Land, Antarctica and  is separated from Alexander Island by the Ronne Entrance.

In 1939–1941 Smyley Island was first identified as a peninsula of mainland Antarctica by the United States Antarctic Service and was named Cape Smyley. In 1968 it was identified as an island on a U.S. Geological Survey map. The island is named after Captain William H. Smyley, the American master of the sealing vessel Ohio during 1841–42

A 497,  a site on fast ice near Scorseby Head, on the northern shore of the island, has been designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International because it supports a breeding colony of some 6,000 emperor penguins, based on 2009 satellite imagery.

A catastrophic die-off of emperor penguin chicks has been observed in the Antarctic, with up to 10,000 young birds estimated to have been killed. The event, in late 2022, occurred in the west of the continent in an area fronting on to the Bellingshausen Sea.

The sea-ice underneath the chicks melted and broke apart before they could develop the waterproof feathers needed to swim in the ocean. The birds most likely drowned or froze to death.

Dr Peter Fretwell, from the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), said the wipeout was a harbinger of things to come. The scientists tracked five colonies in the Bellingshausen Sea sector – at Rothschild Island, Verdi Inlet, Smyley Island (picture above), Bryan Peninsula and Pfrogner Point.

Read more at: Climate change: Thousands of penguins die in Antarctic ice breakup – BBC News

Inexpressible Island is a small rocky island in Terra Nova Bay on the Ross Sea.

The  attached Map of the Victoria Land coast show at the bottom, the location of Inexpressible Island very close o the Italian MZS Station (WAP ITA-Ø1)

Inexpressible Island is most notable for being where the “Northern party” of Scott’s 1910-1913 expedition had to endure an enforced winter. Their ship the Terra Nova could not pick them up as planned in February 1912 due to particularly heavy pack ice.

The six men passed a particularly miserable winter with just four weeks worth of rations which were supplemented by killing penguins or seals that they found though these were few and far between .

They dug an ice cave and built a rock shelter, though suffered greatly from frostbite, hunger and dysentery. They gave the name “Inexpressible Island” in recognition of how awful the place and time they spent there was.

They remained on Inexpressible Island until the last day of September 1912 when they set off on the 200 miles journey to Hut Point arriving on November the 5th despite great illness, discomfort and a lack of supplies.
The location of the ice cave on Inexpressible Island is a Category 1 site as classified by the Antarctic Heritage Trust and receives protection under the Antarctic Treaty.

China is building his 5th Antarctic Station just on Inexpressible island

Picture above show the Cairn and sign marking site of “Campbell’s Igloo” on Inexpressible Island. In January 1912 six men of Scott’s ‘Terra Nova’ expedition, led by Lt Victor Campbell RN, were dropped off on this small island with the aim of exploring some of the coast of Victoria Land for a few weeks.

In the next five years in order to sustain its bases in Antarctica, India aims to have its first Polar Research Vessel (PRV) as told by Union Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju.

He noted that in 2014, the Cabinet had approved Rs 1,051 crore to acquire the vessel. A tender was also floated for the same. The government later abandoned the project as the company which had got the order to build the ship raised certain conditions that were not part of the tender process.
“However another effort was initiated and now, we are ready with the proposal to be moved by the EFC (Expenditure Finance Committee),” Mr Rijiju said.
The cost of the vessel is now estimated to be ₹ 2,600 crore, he noted. “I am hopeful that in this financial year, we should be ready to propose this estimate and move in the Cabinet. In the next five years, we should be ready with the ship,” Mr Rijiju stated.

The PRV will play a crucial role in supporting India’s bases in Antarctica and the Arctic. India currently operates three research base stations in the polar regions, and continuous access to these stations is essential for conducting various research activities, especially those related to climate change.
Apart from logistical support, a PRV can serve as a research platform for scientists to conduct studies in the ocean realm, including the Southern Ocean. This vessel’s acquisition is crucial as it will enable India to carry out independent polar expeditions and scientific studies in these critical regions, rather than having to charter foreign PRVs for each expedition.

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India currently has three Research Base Stations in the polar region of Antarctica:
Bharati (WAP IND-Ø4), Maitri (WAP IND-Ø3), and Dakshin Gangotri (WAP IND-Ø1) and one station Himadri at 78°55 North, 11°55 East on  Spitsbergen island in the Arctic (picture on the right).

Himadri is India’s first permanent Arctic Research Station located at  at the International Arctic Research complex, Ny-Alesund. It was set up during India’s second Arctic expedition in June 2008 and  inaugurated on the 1st of July, 2008 by the Indian Minister of Earth Science.           

 

WAP-WACA and WAP WADA Awards  have been (and still are) two prestigious diplomas for several decades. Radio amateurs who love long-distance contacts and DX in particular with the Antarctic Continent, consider them among the most coveted awards.
Every year, the ranking is updated as well as the diplomas issued. Just check the links beloww to enter in each of this ones!

WACA issued:
http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards/awards-issued-waca/

WADA issued:
http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards/awards-issued-wada/

Ranking WACA:
http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards/w-a-c-a-ranking/

Ranking WADA:
http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards/awards-issued-wada/

Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do!

Apply for your Antarctic certificates , there are many available fron diferent sources! Visit the Antarctic Worldwide Award’s page here at WAP web site: http://www.waponline.it/worldwide-antarctic-awards/

 

On 28 July, UKAHT (UK Antarctic Heritage Trust) turned 30.

For three decades, they have had the privilege to conserve Antarctica’s unique heritage, share the continent’s ever-evolving stories and inspire others to see and experience Antarctica differently through innovative technology, art and culture.

“While we’re using the moment to celebrate our successes (and grab a truly unique slice of cake), it is also a time to look forward. Antarctica is complex, fragile and rapidly changing – and so too is its heritage. As such, UKAHT must also keep evolving and rethinking our role to best champion our cherished sites and

Ultimately though, as a charity, we couldn’t have done it without you,  our supporters.

We are eternally grateful for all of your help in protecting and celebrating this precious place, then, now and into the future.

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Visit UKAHT web site at UKAHT – Home and subscribe the newsletter to receive updates, news and blogs

Our attentive readers and WAP follower know that DL8JDX did join last year with an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica where he retourned after a long absence at the beginning of 2023.

It is worth remembering  that  Volker Strecke DL8JDX, did winter over three times in Antarctica, in the season 1988-1989, 1990-1992 and 1992-1994 as communication electronician and radio operator at the German stations.

Volker did travel to the South in January 2023 and now (july 2023),  he is on board  “World Voyager” ship for another expedition cruise, this time in the Arctictic as lecturer and expedition guide.
Volker sends greetings from Longyearbyen in the Svalbard (78°12’ North) where the ship stopped on last July 24th.

 TNX Volker DL8JDX … have a nice and safe trip!

SANAE 1 team member, Marten du Preez (Radio Technician), passed away at the age of 96.
WAP conveys deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Marten du Preez (pic aside) was one of the members on the first overwintering team on Antarctica, SANAE I, as well as the team leader of SANAE 3.
WAP does not have any QSLs or even any callsigns used by operators at SANAE 1 and , SANAE 2 Bases. Any info will be extra appreciated!
TNX Gabry IK1NEG

1959 to 1962: Establishment of a permanent South African presence in Antarctica

On 1 December 1959 South Africa joined Countries like the USA, USSR, UK, Chile and Japan in signing the Antarctic Treaty.

South Africa established a permanent presence on the Antarctic continent in the 1959 to 1960 summer when the first South African National Antarctic Expedition (SANAE), a ten man party under the leadership of the veteran Hannes la Grange, took over Norway Station  (WAP NOR-Ø7) at 70° 30′ South, 02° 52′ West, along with its 12 male husky sledge dogs.

The picture on the left, taken by Andre le roux van der Merwe a medical doctor of the first South African Expedition (SANAE) to Antarctica shows the first South Africa’s Team at SANAE 1, 1960
(Back: Andre van der Merwe, Dick Bonnema, Hannes la Grange, Marten du Preez, Blackie de Swardt. Middle: George Strauss, Niek Ersamus, Chris de Weerdt. Front: Victor von Brunn, Theo van Wyk)

All ten members of the expedition were employed by the South African Weather Bureau. The station was situated 35 km from the ice front at an altitude of 52 m.

Norway Station had been established for the International Geophysical Year in 1957 to 1958 with Sigurd Helle as leader at the time of transfer. The former Norwegian base (WAP NOR-Ø7) was only used for two years before SANAE I.

The South African expedition sailed south from Cape Town aboard the converted Norwegian sealer Polarbjom on 3 December 1959, reaching the continent, via Bouvetoya, at Polarsirkel Bukta on 8 January 1960. Veteran Allan Crawford was aboard as naval meteorologist. The voyage south was eventful: two members of the Polarbjorn’s crew died on the southern journey: a steward who fell overboard while emptying an ashtray over the side and the Second Mate, Reidulv Klein, who blew himself up in his cabin while preparing explosives. The latter was buried at sea in the pack-ice, with both Norwegian and South African flags at half mast. Later, the ship had difficulty progressing through the pack but the situation was solved by the timely arrival of the Argentine icebreaker General San Martin. Surface and upperair meteorological and geomagnetic observations, commenced by the Norwegians at the station in 1956. were taken over on 15 January 1960. Glaciological and geological fieldwork and bird observations, including finding breeding snow petrels (Pagodroma nivea), were also made during the first SANAE during a five-week field trip with huskies to several nunataks in the northern Ahlmannryggen by Hannes la Grange and Professor Victor on Brurm in November/ December 1960.

Since then a team of 14 men went there for 14 months at a time on a regular annual basis to study aspects like the weather, astrology, the magnetic field of the earth, cosmic rays and the ozone attenuation. The South African base used to be on the pack ice where it stretches more than 200 km into the sea, only 15 km from the spot where the sea and the ice meet. SANAE II was built in 1971 and SANAE III in 1979. Since then they have used a steel construction, necessitating a new base only every 13 years .

Thanks and credit SANAP: Sanae Teams – South African National Antarctic Programme (sanap.ac.za)

New WAP WACA & WAP WADA Directories (22nd Edition, Release Ø42) are now available to download up here at: http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards_download-rules/wap-wada__wap-waca_directories/  

Both Directories contain last WAP references issued  and several new entries that years after years make them updated and  constitute a unique tool of its kind, totally free and available to anyone and in every corner of the World who is somehow passionate about Antarctica, even if the two directories are especially dedicated to Radio amateurs.

The  IK6CAC DBase Program (release Ø43) is now online at: http://www.waponline.it/wap-awards_download-rules/ik6cac-dbase-update/
That is the tool to manage your WAP Awards and your updates.

In the following days, the score and the lists of issued awards will be available and updated.
TNX IK1GPG & IK1QFM

Enjoy Antarctica as much as we do… enjoy WAP! 

The Club “Russian Robinson” unites radio amateurs from many countries of the world and popularizes amateur radio activities in the field of polar island and sea expeditions

To celebrate the thirtieth anniversary of the Russian Robinson Club, Oleg UA6 GG (HOME | dx-trophy (dxtrophy.com)) is now making various stamps for members of the Robinson Club.

Pictures hereby, show the series of stamps with our  good friend Valery RW3GW , famous DX operator and activator of many rare spots in the Arctic and Antarctica.
In honor of celebration Russian Robinson has just updated its site, and there are additional intems of interest such as  “Special Stations” that works in the plans of the 30th Anniversary of the Club.
Pay a  visit and enjoy it: Главная | My Site (robinsons.ru)

There are several Awards issued for working the various Special stations from July 1^st to July 31^st 2023.
Rules and all the necessary information are available at: https://www.robinsons.ru/%D0%BA%D0%BE%D0%BF%D0%B8%D1%8F-rra-1

Valery Sushkov RW3GW is the official Minister of Posts and Communications of the Kingdom of North Barchant, traveler-researcher, postal historian, president of the National Academy of Research and Discovery “Russian Traveler” .

Valery Sushkov took part in the radio program “Wild Environment” on the Mayak-Lipetsk radio channel.

WAP, is greateful to Valery RW3GW and Oleg UA6GG for their continuous commitment to improve the WW interest around all the new proposals marked by the Ham Radio friendship focusing in new Radio expeditions and several new activities involving the world of radio amateurs.

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Here above, some pictures with our friends Valery  Sushkov RW3GW, RZ3EM Andy A. Novikov and RZ3EC Eugene Shelkanovtsev.
(here aside from L to R: RZ3EM, RW3GW, RZ3EC)

Happy anniversary to RRC

It’s a real sad news for the whole WW DX Community and in particular to us of WAP,  learning of the death of a long time dear friend; George Georgiy Chliyants, UY5XE from Lviv , Ukraina, has passed away few days ago at the age of 75.

In the early 80es ,  George has been one of the first founders and promoters of the Russian Robinson Club where he still held the position of consultant.

It was George who pushed me in 1993 at the IOTA convention in Torremolinos (Spain) to introduce the RRC in that important WW event. Today, thanks also to George,  RRC  has over 2000 members

UY5XE was active Radio Amateur, holder of many amateur radio awards active DXer and Contester, keen activator of arctic islands and QSL manager of many of the Russian expedition in the Arctic and Antarctica.
Author of books about radio amateurs and the history of the radio amateur community.

We will miss his friendship but we are certain that he will watch us from the heaven and watch over friendship between peoples in the spirit that distinguishes The Ham Radio world.

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Ciao George, REST IN PEACE

China has resumed construction of its fifth research facility in Antarctica after a years-long lull.

The report said the new station, on Inexpressible Island at  74° 54′ South, 163° 39′ East, at Terra Nova Bay in the Ross Sea, is expected to include an observatory with a satellite ground station, and should help China “fill in a major gap” in its ability to access the continent, said the report. The fifth Chinese station is located about  26 km from the italian Mario Zucchelli Station (WAP ITA-Ø1),  and Jang Bogo Station (WAP KOR-Ø2), then at  390 km Northwest of McMurdo  (WAP USA-22) and Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1)

Construction is estimated to be finished by 2024.

 

“The 1959 Antarctic Treaty restricts activities on the continent to “peaceful purposes” and allows military personnel to conduct scientific research, but bans the setting up of bases or carrying out maneuvers or testing weapons”.

Inexpressible Island, located in the Terra Nova Bay of Antarctica’s Victoria Land, is a rocky island where the Northern Party of Robert Falcon Scott’s Terra Nova Expedition of 1910 – 1913 was forced to overwinter in 1912. 

 

Thanks and credit to: China resumes construction on fifth Antarctica base, shows new satellite imagery | The Independent

White Desert Company has recently opened a brand New Echo Camp in Antarctica  at 71°32’47” South, 08°50’11” East, approximately 100 km (62 miles)  from the coast at 1130 mts (3700 fts) above the sea

Inspired by the seminal age of Space exploration, Echo Camp sits in quiet solitude encircled by pitted rock formations. Echo is as close as one can get to feeling like you’re off the planet without leaving Earth.

After three years of planning, 80 tonnes of air cargo and over 1,000 square meters of moulded composite fiberglass, Echo Base opened on 8th December 2022, is a reality. So much effort, so much investment, so many norm-breaking ideas were wrapped up in this new camp. It represented a totally new forward-looking vision of tourism in Antarctica – it was a lot to live up to.

The  “Cosmos”, the central hub, is formed of four separate rooms all connected by tunnels that look like the docking station to a spaceship. Inside, the ‘sky pods’ are no less futuristic, with vast floor-to-ceiling windows that bring the ageless landscape of Antarctica inside each lounge, bar or dining space. Even in the comfort and warmth of these living areas, I was connected to the environment. Padded walls encircle a delicate Art Deco bar, while an Anthony James art sculpture glows like a giant power source at one end. Walking through the tunnel I discover a library and daybed with someone napping under a cashmere blanket. The sign on the door read “Decompression Chamber”

WAP has added  Echo Base Camp, on WAP WADA Directory as WAP MNB-NEW.
Oleg ZS1ANF/ZS7ANF said: Echo Camp is about 4 km away from Wolf’s Fang Runway WAP MNB-12. There is electricity there. As usual it is necessary a tent and an antenna. Well, the most scarce is time. I can’t promise, but I will keep in mind!

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TNX Oleg Latyshev UA6GG and Oleg Sakharov ZS1ANF/ZS7ANF

Friedrichshafen is a place to go at least once … Personally (I1HYW) I have been there 35 years ago  more or less and it was amazing to meet lots of DXers and Hamradio friends in a very magic athmosphere.

This year (2023) our friend Volker DL8JDX was there  and we are happy to get pics from him. Volker did meet the cream of the WW DX, those who have marked the last months DX-peditions and activities from rare spots as well as those who have seasoned in Antarctica for a short and long while. (pic on the Left show MØSDV, DL8JDX, MØOXO)

WAP is pleased to share some of the pics with our readers, also because some of the men shown in the pics are really Antarctic Veterans

At the Antarctic Dinner Meeting (pic aside) there were: DK5HH, DM2KX, DL3LRM,  HB9HCF, HB9BRH, DL8JDX, DC1TH, DJ0HO, DL5XL, DK3ZL.  Theresa, DC1TH brought a model of the Neumayer 3 Station to the meeting. She printed all parts of this model with a 3D Printer.

Here below some other pics:

Meeting with ZL3CW, VE3LYC (3Y0J), F6AJA, the owner of the QSL card gallery  and DL8JDX (pic to the left)

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Meeting with DL7VEE, DL5EBE, DL8JDX (pic to the right)

 

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Meeting with DL8JDX, F6CUK (FT8WW), F8TRT
(pic to the left)

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And finally – told Volker– some impressions from my todays flight with a Zeppelin NT airship.

Friedrichshafen at the lake Bodensee (in English translation it is also called lake Constance) is the historical home of Zeppelin airships.

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Best 73, Volker, DL8JDX

ARGENTINA
With the celebration of the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere, the “Antarctic Fellowship Day” is also commemorated in recognition of all Antarctics for their hidden work and shared vocation to maintain Antarctica as a continent dedicated to peace and science.

AUSTRALIA
Eveyone in Antarctica celebrates on june 21st   the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year and the turning point in the long, dark Antarctic winter. Australian Antarctic traditions have a long heritage – in fact it’s been more than 75 years since of the formation of Australian National Antarctic Research Expeditions (ANARE) – now the Australian Antarctic Program. The first ANARE landed on Heard Island (WAP AUS-Ø7) on 26 December 1947. Three months later, Macquarie Island (WAP AUS-Ø8) was established. ANARE led directly to the formation of the ‘Antarctic Division’ in May 1948 and the appointment of Dr Phillip Law as its first ‘Director’ in January 1949. On this special day,  AAD  suggest to take a look at where they  have come from and where they’re headed, in the  celebratory video @AusAntarctic Science TV : Click on the link   https://youtu.be/L8_WVh-Ul1A   and enjoy it! TNX AAD

NEW ZEALAND
Scott Base (WAP NZL-Ø1)

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POLAND(on the right)
Arctovski Base (WAP POL-Ø1)

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UK
Rothera Station (WAP GBR-12)

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K.E.P. (WAP GBR-24)

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SOUTH AFRICA
Sanae 4 Station  (WAP ZAF-Ø3) & more

 

 

Today, June 21st , researchers of the Antarctic Continent celebrate Midwinter!

This is the main holiday of polar explorers,  which marks the Midwinter,  the shortest day and the longest night, but then, gradually, the days become longer, and summer is closer and closer.

Overwintering people in Antarctica have many traditions associated with this holiday, the main one, is to  send a group greetings photo to the rest of the world  and to colleagues from other Countries.

The culmination of this day is also a plunge into the icy ocean where this is available, a traditional bathing that is considered “initiation” into wintering.

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WAP has got the 1^st one  from the 28th UAE Team, at Vernadsky Base  WAP UKR-Ø1 and another one from Concordia Station,  WAP MNB-Ø3 wheer researchers  from different Nations are working jointly in the dark of the long Polar night.

While waiting for other greeting pictures from other friends, down South,   WAP wish the overwintering personnel from any Nations actually in Antarctica a wonderful celebration.

Happy Midwinter 2023!!

A 50 Mhz multimode Antarctic radio beacon  has been installed at  Esperanza Base  (WAP ARG-Ø4), Argentine Antarctic Territory.  Locator: GC16MO

The purpose of the radio beacon is to provide the world’s radio amateur community with a tool

for propagation studies and detect openings in the 6m band, operating 24 hours a day all year

from the Esperanza Joint Antarctic Base in Argentine Antarctic Territory.

For this purpose, a new concept of operation was designed to take advantage of the automatic reception and recording systems that operate in the world such as PSK Reporter and CW.

Skimmer and at the same time that it can be received by radio amateurs that operate in FT8 and Morse code radiotelegraphic mode. auditory reception in real time.

For this purpose, the 50.313 MHz radio frequency was selected, which is the one used in FT8 mode and with the most traffic in the world.

The FT8 signal is emitted at 2500 Hz so as not to affect normal QSO traffic, likewise the CW signal is emitted at the same frequency to be detected manually or automatically by other systems. In FT8 mode it is broadcast both in odd and even sequence to allow its reception regardless of the operational configuration of the radio amateurs at any given time. The broadcast sequence is:
Chronogram according to the seconds of the minute.
00) CQ BCN LU1ZV GC16 (en FT8)
15) ESPERANZA BCN (en FT8)
30) VVV DE LU1ZV BCN GC16 AR (en CW)
45) stand by.
Transmit power: 3W, Half wave dipole antenna on sloper facing north.

Conceptual design: Andrés Travainni LU3HO  &  Alejandro Alvarez LU8YD
Hardware and software design, as well as Construction and donation: Andrés Travainni LU3HO
Antenna: Alejandro Alvarez LU8YD
Installation at Base Esperanza: Alejandro Alvarez LU8YD, Juan Benavente LU8DBS and  Alejandro Petrecca

TNX Alejandro Alvarez LU8YD

Last 2022-2023 Summer Antarctic campaign has seen our friend Oleg Sakharov, ZS1ANF operating again from 2 rare spots in Antarctica; Wolf’s Fang Runway (WAP MNB-11) and Wichaway Camp (WAP MNB-12).
Oleg did use his Antarctic callsign ZS7ANF  and was active mostly on CW in the evening time, on 20 & 40 mts.

The WFR (WAP MNB-11) is a Skyway located at 71° 31′ South, 08° 48′ East , 3000 meters long, 60 meters wide at 1127meters AMSL. The supply chain is  provided with the assistance of the South African science vessel; fuel supply is delivered to the edge of Antarctica, then a traverse team embarks on a journey of 800km across the Fimbul ice shelf to Wolf’s Fang Runway.
Oleg ZS7ANF has to take care of the logistic & communications and when he has some spare time, the HF radio is his best company!

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The other rare spot activated on February 2023 by Oleg, has been Wichaway Camp (WAP MNB-12). 
Whichaway Camp at 71º 32’ 00” South,  08º 50’ 00” East is unique and the perfect base from which to start a fantastic Antarctic journey,  where luxury and adventure meets in the mountains of Queen Maud Land. Whichaway Camp has won the World Travel Awards five times, the Camp is also designed with a minimal environmental footprint in mind.
Oleg has got a chance to operate from there for a very limited time on last mid february 2023 and now, his QSL is in our Album!

White Desert Company which  manage these fantastic sites, has recently opened another one, a brand new Echo Camp (WAP MNB-NEW) at 71° 32′ 47″ South,  08° 50′ 11″ East. Inspired by the seminal age of Space exploration, Echo Camp sits in quiet solitude encircled by pitted rock formations. Echo is as close as you can get to feeling like you’re off the planet without leaving Earth.
Hope some days in the near future, to get a a chance to log this brand new one as well!
Thanks Oleg Sakharov ZS7ANF for his always great operation. TNX for the beautiful cards printed by DX Trophy  at HOME | dx-trophy (dxtrophy.com) of UA6GG, Oleg Latyshev 

From June 23 to 25, 2023, HAM RADIO will take place in Friedrichshafen on Lake Bodensee. The trade fair company and the conceptual sponsor, DARC e.V., are currently working on three days of full program for the 46th edition of this successful trade fair. Radio amateurs are experts in communication! Amateur radio is considered an advanced professional qualification for the fields of engineering, computer science, electrical engineering and communications technology. In the labor market, there is a strong demand for students who have degrees in these industries. Radio amateurs live and love technology. The members of the German Amateur Radio Club e.V. pass on this passion to young people in the local associations and set the first impulses for the fascination of technology and the understanding of it..
The Amateur Radio enthusiasts are spread all over the globe and can hardly wait to meet up with old friends, make new contacts and spend the next three days together.

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Volker Strecke DL8JDX (ex: Y88POL, DP0GVN) has just informed WAP that next Friday 23. June 2023 at the Friedrichshafen City at the Restaurant Kommodore , there will be  a meeting with Antarctic Radio Operators. It will be a fantastic chance to shake hands and listen to the reports of activities from Antarctica as well as to know the plans for next Antarctic season 2023-2024. DL5XL, DC1TH, DK1BT, DL8JDX have already confirmed their presence; and some others will be there…..

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Reservation has already been booked for the dinner at  Kommodore – Württembergischer  Yacht Club, Uferstr. 34, 88045 Friedrichshafen,  directly at the coast of Lake Bodensee on 23.6.2023 from 6.30 p.m. for 10 people is confirmed.

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For more info or request to meet inside the Exhibition Center get in touch with Volker DL8JDX, cellphone. +49 172 3704670, e-mail info@strecke.de

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TNX Volker Strecke, DL8JDX (pic aside)

Oleksandr Gryshko the current Captain of the only Ukraine ice-class research vessel “Noosphere” turns 40 today. His Grandfather and father were senior mechanics, and Oleksandr’s older brother was also a Captain.

“I am proud that I have the opportunity to be useful for Ukraine and contribute to its polar research,” Oleksandr remarked.
Being the Captain of a ship going to the Antarctic is an extraordinary challenge. To become a polar Captain, one need to have significant experience in ship and crew management, to get additional education and qualification, learn practical skills from an experienced Polar Captain.

When Ukraine purchased the James Clark Ross icebreaker from the UK in 2021 (later it became the Noosphere), it was the first ice-class vessel of  Ukraine in the last 20 years. “Noosphere” went on its first Antarctic voyage (2022) under the leadership of experienced British polar Captain Simon Wallace. His experience was taken over by Ukrainian captain Pavlo Panasyuk, who after that began to manage the ship himself.

In the second Antarctic season of “Noosphere” (2022-2023), Pavlo Panasyuk already transferred knowledge to Oleksandr Gryshko, who at that time, had 20 years of experience working in various seas. The first part of the ship’s journey was from Cape Town to the Polish Antarctic station Arktowsky (WAP POL-Ø1), then  to Vernadsky (WAP UKR-Ø1), and from there,  to Punta Arenas (Chile).

After this voyage, Capt. Oleksandr Gryshko already managed the ship himself. He was supposed to complete the second part of the Antarctic mission of “Noosphere”: return to Vernadsky, later to “Arktovsky”, ensuring changes of polar explorers at both stations, and reach Cape Town. The captain successfully coped with this task despite all the storms.

WAP wish Capt. Oleksandr Gryshko  a Happy Birthday

TNX Pavlo Tarasovych UT1KY, Antarctic veteran (ex EM1KY, VP8/UT1KY, LU1Z/UT1KY)
Pictures by  Nic Bothma
Read also: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2023-06-05-ukrainian-polar-captain-i-come-from-a-family-of-seamen-and-long-for-noosfera-to-return-to-my-homeland/?fbclid=IwAR2owIFr1Y2TYyerogBndJxM5HrZ70YehcDqJIamWLMuYnaN4tsnxIQURlI

The vessel, arrived at Harwich in Essex on Tuesday, May 30th.The crew completed its polar science trials during what was a seven-month mission.

The 129m (423ft) Polar ship is due to leave again on 8 June for refitting work in Rosyth, Scotland, before being used for further trials on the Scottish coast.

The boat departed Harwich in November last year, before a three-week voyage to the Falkland Islands, and then onward to the Rothera Research Station at Antarctica.  A team of 37 scientists were left at Bird Island (WAP GBR-23), King Edward Point (WAP GBR-24) and Rothera (WAP GBR-12) to carry out further research.

The ship is scheduled to return to Antarctica for a third season in late October 2023.

Unfortunately a very marginal HF activity has been performed from onboard so far. Hams WW are looking for a chance to put a new Polar ship on their Logs …let’s hope!

For now, thanks to Mike GM0HCQ/MM for his very short activity

Thanks and Credit BBC- Read more at: RRS Sir David Attenborough returns to Harwich from Antarctica – BBC News

WAP has received some notes sent by Alejandro LU8YD the operator at Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4)  in February and March 2023 and at LU4ZS Marambio Base  (WAP ARG-21) in April 2023.

 

Alejandro wrote: In the austral summer of 2023 at Esperanza Base (WAP ARG-Ø4) we did operate LU1ZV  on all  bands (160 trough 6 meters) on SSB, CW, FM, FT8, FT4 and Opera,  together with Juan Carlos Benavente LU8DBS and Juan Pablo Arena LU6DX .

According to the information in our hands,  the 2023’s Ham radio activity would have been the largest operation from Antarctica in bands and modes with extraordinary results on 6 meters and perhaps the first to operate on FT8, FT4 and FM on 29 MHz in addition to the new 60 meter band. All the hamradio operation are performed from inside the building of LRA36  Radio Nacional Arcangel San Gabriel, using its rombic antenna  

On the other hand, we have participated in two international competitions; the South American Lighthouse Weekend and extensive research work on Antarctic radio propagation. We left a 6m radio beacon running 24/7 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) to study propagation. The LU1ZV February – March operation reached the approximate amount  of 13,000 QSOs.  April 2023 operation, add other  2500 QSOs.

Currently and for a few more months,  LU1ZV is only operated by LU8DBS, Juan C. Benavente  on SSB and FT8. The LU1ZV activations have the support of the “Uniendo Voces” a project of the National University of Quilmes (Buenos Aires province).

Just about LU4ZS, LU1HCQ operates for the remainder of the year 2023.

My professional assignment in Antarctica Argentina, says Alejandro,  was to work on the improvement of LRA36 station and to assist in the maintenance of Antarctic radio communications of these two Argentine bases.

Just to remind the Readers and Antarctic hunters the LU1ZV/B 50 MHz radio beacon, in its CW & FT8 multimode modality at 50.313 MHz.

TNX Alejandro Daniel Alvarez LU8YD

Kapp Fie , 54° 27′ South,  3° 28′ East, at the  South East side of Bouvetøya (Bouvet Island), has been issued a reference  NOR-14 on WAP-WADA Directory.

QSL Manager MØOXO is busy to send the cards  which are now coming on the mail.

The Expedition set his Camp at  Cape Fie (aka Kapp Fie),  at the South East part of Bouvet island  the only the only moderately safe place to stay . Those who have followed the vicissitudes of such a difficult expedition will certainly have lived with the operators the most dangerous moments of this adventure which will remain in the annals of WW DX-peditions! 

Cape Fie almost certainly won’t be repeated, so whoever has had the ability and luck to work 3Y0J, can be sure of having hit the mark

WAP wishes to express a sincere thanks to the daring Operators of this dangerous and at the same time fascinating adventure.

The Bulgarian Polar Research Vessel “Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodiy (RSV-421)” is owned by a consortium consisting of the Naval Academy, the St Kliment Ohridski University of Sofia and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute. The Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii was ceremoniously christened and commissioned into the Bulgarian Navy inventory on July 27, 2021.

Before the ship’s first polar mission, it was repaired, modernised and refitted in Varna. On December 27, 2022, RSV 421 set sail from Varna Marine Station, marking the beginning of the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition to the Bulgarian Polar Base on Livingston Island, part of the South Shetland Islands. The ship was loaded with building materials and equipment needed for the construction of a laboratory as part of the Bulgarian Base.

 
After a 127-day voyage to the Bulgarian base on Livingston Island and back, the first Bulgarian naval research vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) returned home, docking Tuesday May 2nd 2023 at the Varna Marine Station.

 In the way back home, the Bulgarian naval Research Vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) crossed the Ionian Sea along its southern boundary with the Mediterranean, sailing eastwards, in the evening hours of April 23, 2023.

Now the Polar ship is docked at   Bulgarian port city of Varna (on the Black Sea) after fully completing its participation in the 31st Bulgarian Antarctic Expedition to Livingston Island, Antarctica

With the sailing of the first military Research Vessel Sv. Sv. Kiril i Metodii (RSV 421) to Antarctica, Bulgaria has proven itself to be a Maritime and Polar Nation, said Prof. Hristo Pimpirev last Tuesday, May 2nd, in Varna, when at the local Marine Station he did wait to meet the returning RSV 421 which docked at 10 a.m. After the ship docks, scientists will take the samples collected during the expedition and start examining them.

Thanks and Credit: Bulgarian Research Vessel RSV 421 Returns Home After 127-Day Voyage to Antarctica (spa.gov.sa)

and: BTA :: Voyage of RSV 421 Proved Bulgaria Is “a Sea-faring, Polar Nation” – Antarctic Research Professor

Antonio Huneeus Gana Summer Base was a semi-permanent  Chilean Antarctic Camp, located in the Chilen Antarctic Territory, in charge of the Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH).

The Base is located at 80°18’ South, 81°20’ West, just  1 km from the Patriot Hills Camp (WAP MNB-Ø2)  of the private company Adventure Network International at 80°18’07” South, 81°20’39” West,

The station takes his name from Don Antonio Huneeus Gana (1870-1951), Chilean Minister of Foreign Affairs , the first to think about  Chile’s scientific interest in the Antarctic regions. On July 1906, Don Antonio Huneeus Gana asks the Minister of the Navy to prepare an expedition to  Elephant Islands, New Orkney New Shetland and the Antarctic Continent”. in order to verify a reconnaissance of lands and seas and to carry out scientific research, especially magnetic, according to the communication.

On January 2009 , Adam Brown K2ARB was operating from Antonio Huneeus Gana Base as CE9/K2ARB qualifying the issue the reference   WAP CHL-15 on WAP-WADA Directory.

WAP doesn’t have evidence of any other Hamrdio operation from  Antonio Huneeus Gana Base before Adam Brown K2ARB, so CE9/K2ARB remains the unique one so far toh ave operated from that rare Chilean Base, unless we will find some other old one!

Prof. Lyubomir Ivanov is the National Representative of Bulgaria  to SCAR SCAGI and Chairman of the Antarctic Place-names Commission at Ministry of Foreign Affairs-Republic of Bulgaria. Lyubo is Chairman, Toponymic Board at National Centre for Polar Studies as well.

WAP readers might be interested to know of a recently published Bulgarian map of Bowles Ridge and Tangra Mountains on Livingston Island, South Shetlands (SCAR Map # 15864). 

Livingston Island was discovered on 19 February 1819 by the Briton William Smith and was the first land now governed by the international Antarctic Treaty system. The first inhabitants of the island were American and British seal hunters, and their are the early geographical discoveries and toponyms in the area. Seal hunters today are inherited by scientists, as well as fishermen, among whose pioneers last century are the Bulgarians from Ocean Fishing – Burgas. Today, Bulgaria is connected to the island through annual expeditions and scientific research, as well as the responsibility to map the region for the needs of all human activities related to the exploration of Antarctica and the exploitation of its resources.

Prof. Ivanov said: «The map is an early example of mapping based on the Reference Elevation Model of Antarctica (REMA) developed by The Ohio State University and the University of Minnesota, a rather promising approach indeed».

Hard copies of the map could be purchased from  Librum.  (see an electronic version of the map hereby aside sent by our friend Lyubo).

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We did ask Prof Ivanov about Ham operators at the Bulgarian Base St Kliment Ohridski (WAP BUL-Ø1)or if any activity is planned from there on next summer Antarctic Campaign … maybe some Ham radio operator can put the Bulgarian Base on the air after nearly 20 years!!!  Last one active was VP8/LZ1UQ in 2006 and before LZØA on 1995.

Lyubomir replied: «I do not think there will be any Ham operator at the Bulgarian base in the next season, nor on our Antarctic naval Research Ship “Sv. sv. Kiril i Metodiy” (English: Sts. Cyril and Methodius) for that matter, but if I find out otherwise, I would let you know»

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TNX Prof. Lyubomir Ivanov and congrats for you continuous and invaluable work.

Damoy Point is a headland 900 metres west-northwest of Flag Point, the northern entrance point to the harbour of Port Lockroy, on the western side of Wiencke Island in the Palmer Archipelago of Antarctica. It was discovered and named by the French Antarctic Expedition, 1903–05, under Jean-Baptiste Charcot.

Wiencke Island 64° 49′ 22″ South,  63° 23′ 14″ West, is an island 6 km long and from 3 to 8 km wide, about 67 km2 in area, the southernmost of the major islands of the Palmenr Archipelago  Two structures were erected on the shores of Dorian Bay; the Argentinean Refugio Bahia Dorian (WAP ARG-24) in 1957, and a larger building known as the Damoy Hut in 1973 and used for several years as a British summer air facility and transit station for scientific personnel. It was last occupied in 1993, where it served flights to and from a summer-use ice-strip for aircraft used before the sea-ice cleared near Rothera Base. The Damoy Hut (aka Station L) and its  ice-strip were closed in 1995: the building is now listed as an Historic Site and Monument and is maintained and administered by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust (UKAHT).

Both Argentinean Refugio Bahia Dorian (WAP ARG-24) and Damoy Hut (Station L)  WAP GBR-31 have been activated by F5PFP signing respectively LU/FT5YJ and VP8DLM on March 2009. WAP does not have evidence of any other Ham radio activity before that date.

 

Find out more about Historic Site and Monument No. 84 by watching a short video on Damoy Hut. The site is Antarctica’s only protected historic transit facility and skyway, providing shelter and safe passage for scientists. (Courtesy of UKAHT)

Damoy is a well-preserved Hut containing scientific equipment and other artifacts was. It has been designated a Historic Site or Monument  (HSM 84), following a proposal by the United Kingdom to the Antarcti Treaty Consultative Meeting.

For many, this was where they made their first Antarctic landing by ship. “As a first landfall in Antarctica it was hard to beat,” enthuses Steve Garrett, geophysicist. “Surely a candidate for the most beautiful place on Earth.”

The Hut became redundant in 1993 and by 2007 the building was due for demolition. However, it was saved and preserved as “an excellent example of Antarctic logistics and early air operations in Antarctica” helping us to understand the operational challenges of working in Antarctica. It takes its place as Historic Site and Monument No. 84 – one of only 33 buildings, and the sole transit facility, on the continent protected by the Antarctic Treaty.

In 2023, UKART restored the Hut back to its original bright orange. The decision followed paint sampling by our conservation team in 2018 and research by paint scientist and conservator, Phillipa McDonnell, in 2019. The restoration of the original colour scheme improved the legibility of the Hut’s historic function as a transit centre and provides a key hook for the improved interpretation of the site as a whole as well as protecting it from the elements.

The work was undertaken by a small field team of one field guide and two conservation carpenters experienced in conserving historic buildings. They spent nearly four weeks on-site from mid-January, working around challenging weather to strip back the existing paint by hand, prime, and repaint the building to its original bright orange. As with any UKAHT conservation work, the team adhered to strict methodologies to ensure no contamination of the surrounding environment.

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Thanks and credit to: https://www.ukaht.org/