With an elevated station, much of the blowing snow, which piles up against buildings until they are burried, will just blow under the buildings. Also this season, a new satellite earth station will be installed at the Pole that will vastly improve the telecommunications links for the community there. Components of a new satellite earth station that will be installed at the Pole this season are test fitted in Texas before being shipped to Antarctica. Finally, an array of telescopes that will provide new insights into how the universe formed is scheduled to become fully operational this season. Project materials are produced by suppliers across the U.S., moved by ship from Port Hueneme, Calif. to New Zealand and finally flown by the New York Air National Guard from McMurdo Station in Antarctica to the Pole.
Many materials are test-fitted in the United States to ensure ease of construction on site.
The satellite earth station, for example, was assembled in Texas in September, before shipping to Antarctica. Erection of the first steel structures that will eventually become one of two wings of the new, elevated station at the Pole will begin in November. The sleek, modernistic station will replace the geodesic dome that, since the 1970 s, has been the predominant feature of the station. The most dramatic change of all will occur this year, he said. No longer will the Dome be the focal point at the South Pole.