The last airplane out of Concordia research station in Antarctica took off today with the remaining summer researchers, marking the start of winter-over for the core group of 13.
ESA-sponsored medical doctor Hannes Hagson and his crew mates will spend the next nine months in isolation. Four of these will be in the total darkness of Antarctic winter; the sun disappears from May and is not seen again until late August.
As well as offering complete isolation, Concordia’s location at 3233 m altitude means the crew experience chronic hypobaric hypoxia – lack of oxygen in the brain.
Each year, ESA sponsors a medical doctor to facilitate research experiments on how the isolating, confined and extreme environment affects long-term human physiology and psychology.
Concordia is a collaboration between the French Polar Institute and the Italian Antarctic programme and is one of only three bases that is inhabited all year long. This year’s DC-18 crew are a mix of Italian and French researchers and technicians plus Swedish MD Hannes, who will manage the base and conduct science in the uniquely pristine landscape of Antarctica.
The last airplane also brought the final load of fresh food that were transferred into the base via a moving lift.
How does Hannes feel about the start of winter? “Been looking forward to it!” he says. “My own room, finally!”
Follow Hannes’ adventures here on the blog.
Discussion: 5 comments
I think you are all amazingly brave to undergo this winter-over! I look forward to following the blog.
Have a great time !
Has there been any publications relative to your observations of human attitudes, conduct, functionality, ect. about long term oxygen starvation in such conditions especially isolation?
Absolutely, try this overview to start: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/342930069_White_Mars_-_nearly_two_decades_of_biomedical_research_at_the_Antarctic_Concordia_station
Ci sono stato nel 2011
Medico a Concordia, a parte l’esperienza professionale, l’aspetto umano, relazionale che suscita sentimenti di altruismo incredibilmente profondi. Fanno conoscere il volto di una solidarietà umana tanto da dare l’impressione di toccarsi l’un l’altro con lo spirito. Grazie Concordia, grazie
Antartide!!!!!