Photo: China Central Television

China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, set sail from Shanghai on Saturday, embarking on a new scientific mission to the South Pole.

The expedition will focus on advancing national scientific priorities and exploring the frontiers of global polar research. It will continue the construction and system optimization of the Qinling Station, China's fifth Antarctic base, and for the first time, conduct deep ice-core drilling tests on subglacial lakes in the continent's interior.

Researchers plan to drill and collect samples from depths exceeding 3,000 meters, marking a significant step in China's polar scientific capabilities. The mission will also carry out field tests of key domestically developed equipment, including the "Snow Leopard" 6×6 wheeled vehicle and the THT550 full-hydraulic high-power traction system.

The expedition will be supported by two polar research vessels, Xuelong and Xuelong 2, and includes more than 500 members from over 80 domestic institutions. Scientists from more than a dozen countries and regions — including Thailand, Chile, and Portugal — have also been invited to join the mission.

The team is expected to complete its research tasks and return to China in May 2026.

Global Times