The Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) has successfully wrapped up the 2021-2022 season after an incredible array of scientific and logistical accomplishments.
Three ships, a fleet of aircraft, 500 expeditioners, all backed by personnel in Hobart, have helped bring together a season still challenged by the pandemic.
Australia’s new icebreaker RSV Nuyina made history following its first voyage to Antarctica in January.
The Million Year Ice Core drill was flown south, with teams navigating challenging weather to undertake limited testing.
Meanwhile, 1000 tonnes of cargo was delivered to Casey research station in preparation for the inland traverse to the ice core drill site.
Mawson saw its first full resupply in two years, while 350 tonnes of cargo arrived on Macquarie Island to modernise the station.
The team at Davis were changed over by intracontinental plane but the station still hosted all three ships operating this season, making it a busy time at ‘the Riviera of the south’.
Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) Director Kim Ellis thanked the hundreds of personnel and expeditioners for their hard work on land, sea and air.
“This season had seen more ships and planes in motion than any other time before. The scale was breathtaking,” Mr Ellis said.
“Nothing is easy when it comes to Antarctica and every year the effort to deliver people, supplies and science is inspiring.”
Significantly, the AAD was able to prevent the transmission of COVID-19 to its Antarctic stations, ships and flights, despite increased challenges from state border openings during the season.
