T
he new Vostok as seen at the end of the 2023-24 austral summer. The sign НОВАТЭК on the front of one of the modules is for the Russian contractor Novatek which has been constructing the station.
The installation and interior finishing of the first 3 modules was completed in the 2023 winter, and in the 2023-24 summer the module systems were tested, including a “test winter.” During the 2024 winter 30 folks worked on the station, with the plans being for dedication and occupancy of the new station in January 2025.
The new building at Vostok Station (WAP RUS-13) includes five modules with a total area of about 2000 m2 . The length of the building being constructed is 140 m, the maximum height is 17.5 m. The modules are installed on 36 three-meter supports, which will allow the station to remain free of snow for many years. The building includes scientific laboratories, residential and public spaces for polar explorers, energy centers and technical units for a water treatment and storage system, as well as a garage. The station has a modern medical unit with an operating room, a pressure chamber, a dental and X-ray room, a wardroom with billiards and a cinema room, a gym and a sauna. New building will be able to provide a comfortable stay and research activities for 35 seasonal specialists and up to 15 people during the wintering period.
In addition to 25 builders, 5 specialists from the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Arctic and Antarctic Research Institute” will be involved in the test wintering. Also, from February to December 2024, a group of winter workers consisting of 30 people plans to carry out work on the installation of internal engineering systems and finishing of the premises of the completed blocks. From January 2025, full commissioning of the Vostok new building is planned
Much of the above information was provided by the Russian delegation to the September 2024 46th Antarctic Treaty meeting held in Kochi, India.
Click here for more information and photos about the New Vostok Station (WAP RUS-13)
The first hike, which set off a week ago from the coast of Antarctica to the center of the icy continent, reached the Vostok station.
At the same time, two new sledge-tracked hikes were launched along the Progress – Vostok – Progress route.
The task of the first one is to deliver 85 tons of fuel to the 1100 km sub-base located along the route of the transport. The second one will transport 175 tons of cargo to the East, including fuel, equipment for equipping a new wintering complex and a replacement team of polar explorers.
No Ham radio operations are planned during the convoy traverse.
TNX Oleg UA6GG @ DX Design & Polar Trophy