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China's 43rd Antarctic Expedition Departs From Sanya

China's 43rd Antarctic scientific expedition departed on November 7, 2026, with more than 600 team members from over 100 domestic institutions, supported by the Xuelong and Xuelong 2 icebreakers and another vessel.

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Checked against 4 sourcesnews.youth.cnenglish.news.cnbastillepost.comthestar.com.my
Illustration for: China's 43rd Antarctic Expedition Departs From Sanya

In brief

  • China's 43rd Antarctic scientific expedition departed on November 7, 2026, from Sanya, Hainan Province.
  • More than 600 team members from over 100 domestic institutions are participating, with return expected in April 2027.
  • The expedition is supported by the Xuelong and Xuelong 2 icebreakers and another vessel.
  • Tasks include station construction, multidisciplinary surveys, domestic equipment testing, and cooperation with Norway, Chile, and Bulgaria.

China's 43rd Antarctic Expedition Departs From Sanya

China held a departure ceremony in Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, on November 7, 2026, to mark the start of its 43rd Antarctic scientific expedition.

Expedition Details

The expedition is organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources. More than 600 team members from over 100 domestic institutions are participating, and the team is expected to return to China in April 2027 after completing its tasks.

The expedition is supported by the icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, along with another vessel. Source 1 identifies the third vessel as the "Dayang" (Ocean) vessel.

Tasks

The mission will upgrade China's polar research stations and logistics network and carry out comprehensive multidisciplinary surveys and monitoring in Antarctica. It will also pursue priority research at the frontiers of polar science, test and apply domestically developed equipment, and deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in science and logistics support.

Source 1 lists specific tasks, including:

  • comprehensively completing the finalization and acceptance work of the on-site construction of the Qinling Station
  • conducting preliminary surveying and mapping of the proposed supporting facilities for the Marie Byrd Land station
  • carrying out preparatory work for the upgrading and transformation of the Great Wall Station and Zhongshan Station
  • continuing the national key research and development plan task "Antarctic Qilin Subglacial Lake Drilling," including in-situ sampling operations on the ice sheet overlying the Qilin Subglacial Lake
  • organizing the testing and application of domestic facilities and equipment, including the AR500 large unmanned helicopter, the THT550 tracked high-horsepower tractor ice field verification, the third-generation "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle, and the new generation inland expedition pressurized building cluster
  • cooperating with countries such as Norway, Chile, and Bulgaria to carry out research in fields such as Antarctic ice sheets, geology, and ice and snow environments

Why it matters

The expedition advances China's polar research capabilities, including station construction, multidisciplinary monitoring, domestic equipment testing, and international scientific cooperation, with the team expected back in April 2027.

Sources

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.

Questions readers ask

When and where did China's 43rd Antarctic Expedition depart?
The expedition departed from Sanya, south China's Hainan Province, on November 7, 2026.
Who is organizing the expedition and how many people are participating?
The Ministry of Natural Resources is organizing the expedition, which involves more than 600 team members from over 100 domestic institutions.
Which vessels are supporting the expedition?
The mission is supported by the icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong 2, along with the 'Dayang' (Ocean) vessel.
What are the key construction tasks planned for the expedition?
Tasks include completing the finalization of Qinling Station, surveying facilities for the Marie Byrd Land station, and upgrading the Great Wall Station and Zhongshan Station.
When is the team expected to return to China?
The team is expected to return to China in April 2027 after completing its tasks.

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