Robot Plane to Unravel Antarctica’s Mysteries, Say Scientists

A team of engineers and scientists has embarked on a mission to Antarctica to test an autonomous drone designed to aid in forecasting the effects of climate change. This drone is tasked with mapping previously uncharted areas of the continent, particularly those hidden beneath the ice sheet, to provide insights into the rate of ice melt and its contribution to global sea-level rise.

Understanding Antarctica’s dynamics has been a challenge due to extreme weather conditions, including below-freezing temperatures, sudden storms, and high winds. Traditional crewed aircraft face limitations in these harsh environments, making it difficult for researchers to explore further.

Developed by the British Antarctic Survey in collaboration with UK company Windracers, this innovative drone is designed for ease of repair if it encounters issues during missions. It was tested in challenging conditions in North Wales, resembling the terrain and weather conditions of Antarctica.

The drone can carry up to 100kg of cargo and travel up to 1,000km. It is equipped with instruments such as radar and cameras, strategically placed on its wings and back. The flight path is pre-programmed, with an engineer monitoring the drone’s progress from a computer.

Initially operated from the Rothera base in Antarctica, the drone will eventually be controlled by the British Antarctic Survey from the UK. Its fuel efficiency significantly reduces environmental impact compared to traditional research flights, with just 10 barrels of fuel required compared to 200 barrels on a single research flight.

Data collected by the drone will be processed at the British Antarctic Survey headquarters in Cambridge, contributing valuable insights into Antarctica’s response to climate change.