News

Science Operations:

• I-163 (Raymond & Matsuoka -Radar ice anisotropy) & A-357 are in the field with all science cargo and are at full speed ahead.
• I-177 (Sowers-Firn gas) is scheduled to arrive in camp next week. I-177 may be delayed in McMurdo a couple of days depending on camp facilities.
• I-188 (Gogineni-Basal conditions and internal layers) is scheduled in a couple of weeks. No delays are anticipated at this time.

LC-130 Fixed Wing Operations:

• Very active two weeks to recover camp schedule and maintain momentum. Good weather in McMurdo and WAIS has prevailed.
• Missions completed to date: 26 of 49
• Majority of camp construction cargo has been received on site.
• Arch materials are next in line in preparation of beginning arch construction.
• Arch footers and tools on site.
• WAIS Divide has been backup to South Pole and other field sites.

Camp:

• Skiway is completed and fully groomed. Maintenance grooming has begun.
• New skiway groomer has proven to be a major improvement and the design has work extremely well on the local snow conditions.
• Tucker Sno-cat is running well and the forks have been very useful.
• CAT 953 is up and running strongly.
• Several tent structures have been erected including a temporary galley tent, communications tent, medical tent, twin otter and general berthing tents.
• Galley and Mechanic's shop hard panel modules have started. This is a joint effort between Science Construction and the RacTent designer / manufacturer Jim Davis who will be on site till Dec. 10.
• Camp generators and power supply is scheduled for next week.
• 2-10k gallon bladders are in service with new secondary containment berms.
• Full containment of fuel drums has been practiced. Additional fuel berms have been ordered for delivery to site ASAP.
• Camp construction is anticipated to continue into the week of Dec. 17.
• Camp close-out is scheduled for the first week of Feb.

Arches:

• Arch crew on site: Billy Texter and Drew Abbott.
• Second team of arch crew scheduled to arrive next week. Third team after that.
• Additional FEMC arch crew (up to 6 persons) is being organized in McM for availability to assist with the arch construction.
• CAT 953 & Pistenbully 100 w/ Zaugg snowblower have started the snow foundation today. Up to 14 days till completion.
• Preparation for construction will begin next week with the arrival of arch crew members and arch materials while foundation continues.
• Arch construction schedule started 17 days behind original date. Completion is still anticipated around 31 January.