Winds Carry Laboratory Over Ice... Journey to the Depths of Antarctica

Over thousands of kilometers of ice, four men will rely on wind to propel a sled carrying their equipment, living quarters, and scientific experiments, in a Spanish expedition to hard-to-reach areas of Antarctica.

The Spanish Ministry of Science announced that the “Wind Sled” mission will cover approximately 3,400 kilometers under the leadership of explorer Ramon Larrañendi. The team will depart Spain on October 18 and return in early February next year.

The sled consists of four sections with a total length of 15 meters, pulled by large kites selected according to wind strength. Solar panels power the scientific instruments, and the sled carries about 250 kilograms of equipment at the start of the journey, achieving an average speed of around 25 kilometers per hour when conditions permit.

On board, the team will conduct 16 projects, including studies of ice and pollutants, and the search for microbial life in extreme environments. The expedition members will also undergo studies on the effects of isolation and cold on their bodies and psychological well-being, in experiments that could aid preparation for space missions.

The journey begins near the Russian Novolazarevskaya Station and ends at the Italian-French Concordia Station, with five extended stops for conducting experiments and collecting samples. Organizers estimate the crossing will take about 80 days. The sled avoids using fossil fuels for propulsion, thereby reducing the burden of transporting fuel across the ice.