China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition team has embarked on a groundbreaking journey, setting sail from Shanghai with advanced drilling systems and eco-friendly innovations. The mission aims to unlock secrets of climate history buried beneath 3,000 meters of ice! 🚢💡
For the first time, scientists will use domestically developed hot-water drills to sample subglacial lakes—extreme environments that could hold clues about Earth’s past and microbial life. ❄️🔬 "This isn’t just about science; it’s about contributing to humanity’s shared future," said Long Wei of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
Meanwhile, the newly operational Qinling Station is making waves with its wind-solar-hydrogen energy system, slashing fossil fuel use by 100+ tonnes annually. Even during polar nights, it runs on stored green power for 2.5 hours! 🌞💨
The team is also testing game-changing hardware like the Snow Leopard 6×6 vehicle and AI-driven polar robots that boost warehouse efficiency by 40%. Think Wall-E, but for Antarctica! 🤖
Over 500 researchers from the Chinese mainland and 10+ countries/regions—including Thailand, Chile, and Hong Kong—are collaborating on this icy frontier. The expedition wraps up in May 2026, but its impact could last centuries. 🌍✨
