Belarus’ NAS reported that Belarusian polar explorers have launched scientific programmes in Antarctica
The head of the 16th Belarusian Antarctic Expedition, Aleksei Gaidashov, said that Belarusian polar explorers have begun implementing key scientific programmes – as reported by the press service of the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) of Belarus
It is noted that in honour of the opening of the 16th Antarctic season, the state flag of Belarus and the flag of the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus were raised on the flagpoles of the Belarusian Antarctic station Gora Vechernyaya.
According to Aleksei Gaidashov, in the process of carrying out air flights, developing life activities and scientific programmes, the 16th expedition team demonstrated well-coordinated teamwork, discipline and high moral and volitional qualities.
“The personnel are healthy, life support systems, means of transport and communications, scientific instruments and equipment are prepared for further operation and are operating normally, and the implementation of key scientific programmes has begun. There are the necessary reserves of fuel, food, and medicine at the Gora Vechernyaya station. On November 18th, a solemn event took place: in honour of the opening of the 16th Antarctic season, the state flag of the Republic of Belarus and the NAS flag were raised on the flagpoles of the Belarusian Antarctic station Gora Vechernyaya,” informed Aleksei Gaidashov.
The ceremonial start of the 16th Belarusian Antarctic Expedition was given on October 30th. This year, 13 people went to Antarctica under the leadership of an experienced polar explorer, a participant of all previous 15 expeditions, Aleksei Gaidashov. The expedition includes scientists from the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus (Republican Centre for Polar Research, Scientific and Practical Centre for Bioresources of the NAS of Belarus, Institute of Environmental Management, Institute of Physics), the BSU, the Brest Regional Clinical Hospital and other organisations of the country. The team consists of seven specialists who already have experience working in Antarctica, and six newcomers. Research workers make up half of the expedition participants.
