Here's our sixth postcard from Rothera Research Station – Discovery Building progress!
Power generation milestone
Our Combined Heat and Power (CHP) generators are now operating 24/7 at Rothera Research Station, our largest in Antarctica. While we oversee operations with regular checks, we'll soon implement a pager system to streamline monitoring. That means we only have to get up when the pager goes off.
The essential earthing grid has been installed north of the Discovery Building, our new science and operations facility. The grid is a 2m x 2m lattice that grounds the station's heat and power systems. We're currently evaluating its electrical conductivity to determine if additional grids are needed.
We're pleased to report that power generation facilities in the Discovery Building are nearly complete. We will be progressively transferring legacy buildings to the new electrical system, prioritising power, followed by water, drainage, data and heating capabilities.
Communications advances
The Discovery Building's new operations tower is now up and running! British Antarctic Survey communications aerials have been installed at the west gable end to support field operations. The last DASH flight from the season has just departed, controlled from the new tower.
Did you read the fantastic blog about transitioning to the new space by our Tower Operations Supervisor, Matt Hughes? Check it out: A new chapter for Rothera Research Station: inside the Operations Tower – British Antarctic Survey – Blog post
Outside the Discovery Building
The Discovery Building's wind deflector is now complete – this critical feature prevents damaging snow accumulation behind buildings that could compromise structural integrity. Ground levels around the new building are being raised with heated slabs planned for installation in operational areas. This will allow indoor vehicles to manage loads within the building while preventing surface freezing, significantly reducing time needed for clearing snow. Snow clearing is always a big job at the start of a new Antarctic season!
What's been completed inside
More of our brilliant teams have arrived in Antarctica and everyone on station is making rapid progress with:
- Office setup and partitioning
- Floor installation and finishing
- Ceiling grid installation
- Medical centre completion
- Workshop preparation and fit out
Finally… Local wildlife sightings continue to enhance station life, with recent visits from leopard seals and Adélie penguins. Look out for our next postcard where we hope to bring you some more developments as we approach the handover of our new building from our construction partner BAM to British Antarctic Survey.
Future science and operations
This vital modernisation work will help Rothera continue its world-leading polar research for decades to come. We're still looking forward to the big moment when the Discovery building is handed over to us in May!
About the Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme
The Antarctic Infrastructure Modernisation Programme (AIMP) is part of the UK Government's long-term investment in the Polar Regions. The programme is delivered in partnership with construction partners BAM, Ramboll, Sweco and Hugh Broughton Architects.
