Core Viewpoint - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition Team of China has set out for Antarctica, supported by the icebreaker "Xuelong 2," which is China's first independently built polar research vessel [1] Group 1: Vessel Specifications - "Xuelong 2" has a total length of approximately 122.5 meters, a displacement of nearly 14,000 tons, and a maximum width of 22.3 meters, accommodating 101 personnel [7] - The vessel can travel over 20,000 nautical miles at a speed of 12 knots, which is nearly double the distance from the South Pole to the North Pole [7] - It can break through ice thickness of 1.5 meters and 0.2 meters of snow at a speed of 2 to 3 knots [7] Group 2: Equipment and Innovations - Two new domestically developed devices will be used for the first time in polar applications during this expedition [7] - The "Xuelong 2" is equipped with a "Moon Pool Workshop," which enhances operational efficiency and safety by allowing work to be conducted even in poor sea conditions [5] - The "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle is designed for extreme polar environments, serving as a key component in the development of multi-functional and sustainable polar land vehicles [10] - The THT550 tracked tractor is China's first high-power snow traction equipment, designed for optimal performance on rugged ice and snow terrain [14]

Core Points - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition Team from China has set out, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, with over 500 members from more than 80 domestic units, expected to return by May 2026 [1] - The expedition will focus on testing two domestically developed vehicles: the "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle and the THT550 tracked vehicle [1][2] Group 1 - The "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle is designed for extreme polar inland environments, capable of rapid personnel transfer, efficient material transport, and emergency support [1] - This vehicle represents a key development in China's polar land vehicle capabilities, aiming for a systematic, multifunctional, and sustainable approach [1] - The THT550 tracked vehicle is China's first high-power snow traction equipment, suitable for soft snow surfaces and rugged icy roads, enhancing the efficiency of Antarctic operations [2] Group 2 - The THT550 has undergone extensive testing in low-temperature environments domestically and is expected to play a significant role in transporting heavy materials during the Antarctic expedition [2]