Why did Russia build an analogue of the ISS in Antarctica?

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Russia has built an ultra-modern wintering complex “Vostok” in Antarctica, which will certainly allow our scientists to conduct a more in-depth study of the coldest continent on the planet. Trial operation of the facility has already started.

The total area of ​​the five modules that make up the Russian research station is about 3 thousand square meters. m. The length of the object reaches 140 m, and the maximum height is 17,5 m. The structure is installed on 36 four-meter supports, which will allow the station to remain free of snow for many years.



In general, the newest Russian wintering complex is a unique structure. It is no coincidence that it is compared to the ISS, only on Earth.

After the station is put into operation, a modern medical block with an operating room, a pressure chamber, as well as a dental and X-ray room, scientific laboratories, technical units for a water purification and storage system, an airfield for military transport aviation, a gym, and garage, recreation areas, sauna and, of course, residential and public spaces for polar explorers.

For 10 months a year, 35 seasonal specialists and up to 15 winterers will be able to stay at the station in comfortable conditions and conduct research activities.

It is worth noting that the presence of such an advanced scientific complex in Russia will ultimately play a huge role for domestic science. However, there is one more important nuance.

Today, Antarctica is considered a neutral territory that does not belong to any country in the world. However, it is difficult to say in modern geopolitical realities how long this status will last.

At the same time, the South Pole is the last unopened storehouse of the planet’s resources, for which a struggle will probably begin in the future. The Russian Federation, having built an analogue of the ISS in Antarctica, is demonstrating its readiness to defend its rights to part of the continent. Moreover, the territory where our station is located is already claimed by Australia.

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  1. strange guest
    strange guest
    0
    7 February 2024 21: 08
    Well, objectively speaking, just as Australia, Argentina and Chile do not have any rights to the Arctic, Russia does not have any rights to the Antarctic. Don't go crazy.
    1. The comment was deleted.
  2. prior
    prior
    +1
    8 February 2024 10: 44
    Why did Russia build an analogue of the ISS in Antarctica?

    There is nothing sweeter to power than showing off.
    Building a module in Antarctica is not at all like halving the price of gasoline or the notorious eggs. You can’t make PR with cheap eggs, you won’t earn fame, and you can easily bruise your forehead.
    So we are building something that has no analogues in the world..... Because no one in the world needs it.
    1. Vladimir Tuzakov
      Vladimir Tuzakov
      +1
      8 February 2024 16: 24
      I agree, they could have built three times less and saved money. There is a demonstration of the flag, why such extra investments, Antarctica has been studied enough over the past fifty years. Answer: there the Anglo-Saxons built a modular complex similar in volume, the reflex of our leaders worked - and we will build the same. This led to the collapse of the USSR, the unscrupulous rulers are starting to bring down the Russian Federation. There is no need to build what is necessary at the expense of the people in vain ..