Why in news?

• Maitri II Station is India's upcoming research station in Antarctica, approved recently by the government to replace the aging Maitri station.
• It is scheduled to be completed by January 2029 and will serve as India's fourth permanent research facility on the continent.

Key Features and Significance

• Size and Design: Maitri II will be larger than the original Maitri station, designed as a green, eco-friendly research base.
• Renewable Energy: It will utilize renewable energy sources such as solar power during the summer and wind energy harnessed from Antarctic winds.
• Advanced Technology: The station will be equipped with automated instruments to record and relay data to India, even when unmanned.
• Infrastructure: Upgraded living conditions, facilities, and improved sanitation are part of the new station's infrastructure plans.

Background and Context

• Existing Stations: India has been conducting research in Antarctica since 1981, with Maitri operational since 1989 and Bharati since 2012.
• Purpose: The station aims to strengthen India’s scientific presence, particularly in climate and environmental studies, with a focus on ice sheet research and ecological monitoring crucial for understanding sea-level rise.
• Location: Maitri II will be situated in eastern Antarctica, in a location that supports sustainable and continuous scientific research.

• The station will support India's long-term research initiatives, leveraging renewable energy technologies and automation to enhance resilience and operational efficiency.

India’s other research bases

• Antarctica: Dakshin Gangotri (first base in Antarctica), operated for a few years. Bharati which is operational since 2012.

• Arctic: Himadri Inaugurated in July 2008 is India's first permanent Arctic research station, located at Ny-Ålesund, Spitsbergen Island, Svalbard, Norway.

Maitri II represents a significant step forward in India's Antarctic research capabilities, emphasizing sustainable technology, advanced infrastructure, and strategic placement to further scientific exploration and climate studies in Antarctica.

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