The UK’s new polar ship RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its polar science trials in Antarctica this week.
The UK’s new polar ship RRS Sir David Attenborough begins its polar science trials in Antarctica this week.
A team of 30 national and international scientists, engineers and technical staff will depart the Falkland Islands today (31 January) for almost two months of science capability trials – the first to test the ship’s science capabilities in deep polar waters.
The team will run a range of scientific equipment and systems, several for the first time to test equipment covering physical oceanography, chemistry, and marine biology. They will also work collaboratively to test out the large laboratory facilities to do multidisciplinary research.
The ship has been operating in and around Antarctica since December, delivering key personnel and cargo to British Antarctic Survey’s research stations. As part of getting the ship fully operational for science, these trials will allow the team on board to use science equipment for the first time around Antarctica.
Read more at British Antarctic Survey
Image: RRS Sir David Attenborough will be testing the science capability during polar science trials. (Credit: British Antarctic Survey)
