China starts 32nd Antarctic expedition

SHANGHAI, Nov. 7 -- China launched its 32nd Antarctic expedition when research vessel and icebreaker Xuelong (Snow Dragon) left a Shanghai dock on Saturday morning.

A team of 277 members aged between 22 and 61 from more than 80 domestic institutions will make the 159-day trip of 30,000 nautical miles.

During the mission, researchers will conduct the final survey for the country's fifth Antarctic station site at Victoria Land on the Ross Sea, mapping the site and assessing the ecological and environmental impacts, according to the team's deputy chief Sun Bo.

The team will also conduct research around Changcheng, Zhongshan, Taishan and Kunlun stations, as well as Prydz Bay, Ross Sea, Amundsen Sea and the Antarctic Peninsula.

They will remove an abandoned shelter at the Changcheng Station, bring home garbage from Zhongshan and Kunlun stations, and help Australia to ship cargo from the Australian port of Fremantle to Casey Station.

In this expedition, China's first fixed-wing aircraft for polar use will conduct trial flights around Larsemann Hills, Grove Mountains and the Kunlun Station and carry out airborne remote sensing and telemetry tasks.