The 43rd Chinese Antarctic expedition has officially departed from Sanya Nanshan Port in Hainan. The mission, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, involves three vessels: Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and Dayanghao.
The expedition team consists of over 600 members representing more than 100 domestic organizations. The mission is scheduled to conclude in April 2027, when the team returns to China.
The research program focuses on upgrading polar station infrastructure and transport systems. The team will conduct comprehensive monitoring and scientific surveys while testing domestic technological equipment.
A key objective is exploring subglacial environments. Researchers from Southeast University will deploy the independently developed Jibing-1 system to perform in-situ sampling and sterile water collection beneath the ice sheet.
