Concordia is a joint French-Italian inland Antarctic research station run by the French Polar Institute and Italian Antarctic Programme. Every year it hosts a human research protocol coordinated by ESA and Concordia partners, supplied by universities and research institutions from across Europe.
Credits: A. Kumar
As well as offering around 9 months of complete isolation, Concordia is located at around 3200 metres altitude, so the crew has to adapt to chronic hypobaric hypoxia – they live with a third less oxygen than is available at sea level.
During the Antarctic winter, the crew endures 4 months of complete darkness: the sun disappears from the beginning of May, and is not seen again until late August.
Credits: A. Kumar
Living in isolation with a European crew of 13 and in the world's most extreme environment creates an ideal opportunity to conduct research into the adaptation of human psychology and physiology.
Space research has been conducted in the polar regions for many years – offering conditions on Earth similar to long-term space travel.
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Dear Dr.Kumar,
I would like t o have the names ane email adresses of the winterover team in Concordia in order to communicate with them personally.
Thanks in advance for your assistance.
Best regards.
Nabi Suray
We all hope you to have a nice Antarctic winter. Take care the Greek guy on your base.
Cheers!
Many thanks for keeping us posted on activities at Concordia Station.
Just to note that ESA Earth Observation also has a healthy list of activities ongoing at the Concordia Base. This summer we had extensive flights to collect gravity and L-band radiometer data in support of the ESA GOCE and SMOS Earth Explorer missions.
Meanwhile, we have an L-band tower mounted radiometer that is providing year-round operational measurements in support of the calibration monitoring for our Earth Explorer mission SMOS. See also: http://blogs.esa.int/campaignearth/2012/12/19/scientists-brave-the-elements-to-support-esas-water-mission/
Take care of yourselves over the winter months!