Core Viewpoint - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition Team of China, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, has set out for Antarctica, involving over 500 members from more than 80 domestic units and international researchers from over 10 countries and regions, with a mission expected to conclude in May 2026 [1] Group 1: Expedition Objectives - The expedition will focus on three main tasks: enhancing the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the Qinling Station, conducting comprehensive investigations to better understand Antarctica's role in global climate change, and implementing major R&D projects along with new applications of domestic equipment technology [1] - The team will conduct scientific drilling experiments in subglacial lakes using domestically developed hot water drilling systems, aiming to explore isolated subglacial environments and geological features, which will support future research on extreme life forms and global climate evolution [1] Group 2: Technological Applications - The expedition will validate the domestically developed "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle and THT550 fully hydraulic high-power traction equipment in the Antarctic environment [1] - Advanced technologies such as automatic observation and satellite remote sensing, ecological buoys, and a multi-network system for krill will be applied during the Antarctic investigation [1]

Core Points - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition Team from China has set out on November 1, 2025, with over 500 members from more than 80 domestic units and international researchers from over 10 countries and regions [1] - The expedition will focus on three main tasks: enhancing the infrastructure and operational capabilities of the Qinling Station, conducting comprehensive investigations in Antarctica to better understand its role in global climate change, and implementing major R&D projects and new applications of domestic equipment technology [1] Group 1 - The expedition is supported by the "Xuelong" and "Xuelong 2" vessels and is expected to return to China by May 2026 [1] - The team will conduct scientific drilling experiments in deep subglacial lakes using domestically developed hot water drilling and melting systems, aiming to explore isolated subglacial environments and geological features [1] - The expedition will also validate domestically manufactured equipment such as the "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle and THT550 hydraulic traction equipment, along with advanced technologies for automatic observation and satellite remote sensing [1]

Core Points - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources of China has set out to conduct three main tasks in Antarctica [1] Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The expedition will focus on enhancing the supporting facilities and system optimization at the Qinling Station, including improvements to the research building, oil supply system, and communication network [4] - The team will also validate the adaptability and breakthroughs of domestically produced facilities such as seawater desalination, wind power generation, and photovoltaic power generation in extreme Antarctic conditions [4] Group 2: Comprehensive Investigations - The expedition will carry out multi-disciplinary investigations in key areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula, Amundsen Sea, Ross Sea, and Prydz Bay, focusing on the impact of climate change on the Southern Ocean ecosystem [5] - Long-term observational data will be collected to enhance understanding of Antarctica's role in global climate change [5] Group 3: Research and Technology Application - The expedition will conduct scientific drilling experiments in deep subglacial lakes using domestically developed hot water and thermal melting drilling systems, aiming to explore the unique subglacial lake environments and geological features [7] - The team will also test domestically manufactured equipment such as the "Snow Leopard" 6x6 wheeled vehicle and THT550 hydraulic traction equipment, along with advanced technologies for automatic observation and satellite remote sensing [9] Group 4: Collaboration and Participation - The expedition is supported by the "Xuelong" and "Xuelong 2" vessels, involving over 500 team members from more than 80 domestic units, along with international researchers from countries including Thailand, Chile, Portugal, and regions like Hong Kong and Macau [10]

Core Points - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition Team of China has set sail to conduct significant research and development projects, focusing on infrastructure enhancement, comprehensive investigations, and the application of domestic technologies [1][2] Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The expedition will prioritize the improvement of the Qinling Station's supporting facilities, including the research building, oil supply system, and communication network, to enhance operational support and scientific research capabilities [1] - The team will continue to validate the adaptability of domestically produced facilities such as seawater desalination, wind power generation, and photovoltaic power generation in extreme Antarctic conditions [1] Group 2: Comprehensive Investigations - The expedition will conduct multi-disciplinary investigations in key Antarctic regions, including the Antarctic Peninsula, Amundsen Sea, Ross Sea, and Prydz Bay, focusing on the impact of climate change on the Southern Ocean ecosystem [2] - Long-term observational data will be collected across various fields such as marine, biological, chemical, atmospheric, and glaciological studies to improve understanding of Antarctica's role in global climate change [2] Group 3: Technology Application and International Cooperation - The expedition will implement scientific drilling experiments in deep ice layer lakes using domestically developed hot water drilling and melting systems, aiming to explore isolated subglacial lake environments and geological features [2] - The team will also validate the use of domestically manufactured equipment like the "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle and THT550 hydraulic traction equipment in the Antarctic, alongside advanced technologies for automatic observation and satellite remote sensing [2] - The expedition aims to strengthen operational observations and international collaboration, expanding partnerships with countries such as Chile, Thailand, and Portugal in research, observation, and logistical support [2]