China launched its 42nd Antarctic expedition to conduct the first-ever scientific drilling today in subglacial lakes, aiming to study Antarctica’s evolution, ice-sheet history, and natural resources.

 

 

Using domestically built hot-water and thermal-melting drills, the team will sample ice over 3,000 metres thick and collect long-term climate and sedimentary data from key regions like the Amundsen Sea and Ross Sea.

 

 

 

China, which has five research stations and opened a fifth large station last year, has been steadily expanding its Antarctic presence, including an atmospheric monitoring station and a telescope for infrared observations.

 

 

 

The expedition underscores China’s goal to enhance understanding, protection, and sustainable use of Antarctica, while contributing to global scientific collaboration. Antarctica host 70 permanent stations from 29 countries, including two active research stations, Maitri and Bharti, from India.