India launches 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

India launches 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica

• India successfully launched the 41st Scientific Expedition to Antarctica on November 15, 2021.
• The first batch of its contingents comprising of 23 scientists and support staff has reached the Indian Antarctic station Maitri. Four more batches will be landing in Antarctica by mid-January 2022. 
• The team of 48 members at the 41st expedition is being led by Dr. Shailendra Saini, Scientist National Centre for Polar & Ocean Research (Voyage Leader), Shri. HuidromNageshwar Singh, Metrologist, India Metrological Department (Leader, Maitri Station) and Shri. AnoopKalayilSoman, scientist Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (Leader, Bharati Station).
• The Indian Antarctic program began in 1981 and has completed 40 scientific expeditions.
• Currently there are three permanent research base stations in Antarctica, named DakshinGangotri (1983), Maitri (1988) and Bharati (2012).