Several major construction projects will begin or be completed during the 2000-2001 Antarctic research season which are significant milestones toward opening a modern and environmentally sound scientific station at the South Pole in 2005. During the austral summer, construction workers will erect the first portion of the new elevated station and complete safety and environmental upgrades to the station infrastructure. 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. 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 construction site at 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 ok 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.