A sledge-caterpillar caravan delivered to Vostok station in Antarctica a team of specialists and about 190 tons of cargo to complete the construction of a new wintering complex. In January 2024 the experimental operation of the building in the harsh conditions of the Antarctic winter will begin. The polar explorers are planning to celebrate the housewarming in early 2025 as part of the 70th Russian Antarctic Expedition.
By February next year, the builders will have to assemble two of the station's five modules. They are intended for storing fuel reserves and duplicates of equipment. It is also planned to complete finishing of three modules assembled last season.
At the stage of pilot operation during the Antarctic winter six specialists of the Russian Antarctic Expedition and 30 technicians of Zapsibgazprom will work at the station. They will test the performance and reliability of all life support systems. By the end of 2024, the interior finishing of all premises will also be fully completed.
To ensure construction and installation works this season, almost 2.6 thousand tons of cargo - construction materials and fuel - will be delivered to Vostok station. More than 90 people, 40 Polar-300 transporters and five Caterpillar tractors will be involved in the sledge-caterpillar traverses.
The total area of five modules of the new wintering complex is about 3 thousand square meters. meters. The length of the erected station will be 140 meters, maximum height - 17.5 meters. The modules will be installed on 36 four-meter supports, which will allow the station to remain snow-free for many years.
The complex will include scientific laboratories, living and public premises for polar explorers, energy centers and technical blocks for water treatment and storage system, as well as a garage. The station will have a modern medical block with an operating room, a barocamera, a dental and X-ray room, a cabin with billiards and a movie hall, a gym and a sauna. The complex will provide comfortable stay and research activities for 35 seasonal specialists and up to 15 winterers.
Source of text and photo: https://rgo.ru/activity/redaction/news/11-31/
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