VUFF-099 MAITRI INDIAN ANTARCTIC STATION

VUFF-099:   MAITRI INDIAN ANTARCTIC STATION:
Activated by VU3BPZ (also AT10BP) (2001-2011), and many others in the past.

By virtue of its contribution to Antarctic science and its presence in Antarctica, India has been
accorded consultative status in the Antarctica Treaty System. It is a member of the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR), Standing Committee on Antarctic Logistics (SCALOP) and a party of the Convention on Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR).

The scientific activities of India which started on a modest scale has evolved into a comprehensive ongoing programme that has been subject to continuous updating in accordance with the national priorities and global perspectives. To carry out its scientific programmes India established  to first station at Dakshin Gangotri
(lat 70deg.05' South, long 12deg.00' East) in 1983.

The second permanent station Maitri was established at Schimacher ranges (lat 70 deg.46' south, long 11deg.50' East) in 1989. Dakshin Gangotri is now being used as  supply base and transit camp. Maitri Station is manned throughout the year round scientific  activities. The station is specially designed and built to withstand the vagaries of the extreme climate of Antarctica. The single storied building is well equipped with sophisticated  laboratory facilities to carry out scientific research. The basic amenities are provided  to make the stay for the team comfortable and result oriented. The station is equipped  with essential communication links with India through satellite and High frequency band  transmission (HF). Efforts are being made to connect the computer of Maitri Station to  the Educational and Research Network (ERNET) of Department of Electronics; this would  provide data transfer facilities through computer and would facilitate scientists to get  in touch with Research scientific data and information. Logistical personnel are obtained from the Defence Services.

The brief highlights of the work carried out by the Indian Scientists are as follows:
Earth Sciences, Meteorology,Atmospheric Sciences,Environmental Physiology and Human Psychology, Biology and Oceanography,Engineering and Logistics,Expedition,  Antarctic Study Centre