Chinas 39th Antarctic expedition begins

A total of 255 researchers will carry out investigations in the fields of atmospheric composition, water environment, sedimentary environment and ecosystem at the South Pole, and will arrive in two batches, with the second batch setting out on Oct. 31, 2022.

Chinas research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, set off from Shanghai on Wednesday, marking the start of the countrys 39th Antarctic expedition.

The expedition team is expected to return to China in early April next year.

Photo/Xinhua

With a total length of about 122 meters, a width of about 22 meters, a designed displacement of nearly 14,000 tonnes and an endurance of 20,000 nautical miles, Xuelong 2 is Chinas first domestically built icebreaker for polar research. Chinas 39th Antarctic expedition begins