In a proud moment for India’s scientific community, a cargo flight has, for the very first time, taken off from Goa to deliver supplies to the country’s research stations in Antarctica. Until now, these vital provisions were sent only by ship. This new step is expected to make India’s polar missions faster, more efficient, and better supported.
India Launches First-Ever Cargo Flight From Goa To Antarctica
The flight, a large Russian IL-76 cargo aircraft, left from Mopa airport in Goa on October 2. It carried around 18 tonnes of essential supplies, everything from medicines and scientific instruments to food and basic provisions needed for the year ahead. The cargo is being sent via Cape Town, South Africa, which acts as the gateway for flights heading to Antarctica.
As per the Hindustan Times reports, the supplies are bound for India’s two research bases on the frozen continent: Maitri, which has been operational since 1989, and Bharati, established in 2012. Scientists working there study important subjects such as climate change, ocean currents, glaciers, and polar ecosystems. These findings help us understand Antarctica better and give clues about how climate change affects the entire planet.
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A Major Milestone For India’s Polar Expeditions
For a very long time, India had to rely on ships to carry heavy supplies all the way to Antarctica. But this mode of transport can take weeks to reach the stations, depending on difficult sea conditions. And now, sending supplies to Antarctica by a cargo flight for the first time is a major milestone. It will not only save a significant amount of time but will also reduce risks and make sure researchers get what they need more quickly.
Dr Thamban Meloth, Director of NCPOR (National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research), which is based in Goa, said this new method strengthens India’s self-reliance and shows the country’s growing commitment to cutting-edge research in one of the most extreme places on Earth, the Hindustan Times reported.
The mission was carried out as part of DROMLAN (Dronning Maud Land Air Network), a joint initiative of 11 countries, including India, that operate bases in Antarctica’s Queen Maud Land, as per the Hindustan Times reports. By working together, these nations share aircraft and resources, which helps lower the very high costs of operating in the world’s coldest region.
This first-ever cargo flight from Goa to Antarctica is a historic leap. It ensures that India’s researchers in Antarctica are supported better than ever before, while also placing the country firmly among nations that are modernising their polar operations.
Cover Image Courtesy: Ncpor Goa/Facebook
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