Speedcast’s commitment to supporting the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) extends beyond improving communications at remote research sites across Antarctica. Recently, Speedcast’s Service Delivery Manager, Michael Quensier, had the opportunity to embark on the RSV Nuyina vessel and journey to Antarctica, providing on-site support for AAD’s critical deployment.
The AAD’s year-round stations heavily rely on Speedcast’s connectivity to conduct research, transmit vital data, and maintain essential communication links with the rest of the world while operating in the challenging conditions of the southernmost continent. This project showcases Speedcast’s unwavering dedication to ensuring seamless connectivity for AAD’s operations, both on land and at sea.
The emperor penguin, endemic to Antarctica, holds the title for being the tallest and heaviest among all penguin species. Although they are the largest, they are also the least common in Antarctica, with an estimated population of around 600,000 according to scientists.
Emperor penguins, an iconic symbol of Antarctica, face the challenges of climate change. These remarkable creatures exclusively inhabit Antarctica, where they primarily breed and nurture their young on ‘fast ice’—a floating expanse of frozen ice.
Following breeding periods, southern elephant seals embark on a southward migration to Antarctica, where they seek nourishment from squid and fish near the sea-ice boundary.
The Antarctic Minke Whale inhabits the Southern Hemisphere, ranging from 55° S to the Antarctic ice edge during the austral summer. Renowned for their agility and swiftness, these whales can reach impressive speeds of up to 24 miles per hour in certain populations.
Leopard seals, known for their solitary nature, dwell within the pack-ice encircling the Antarctic continent. These seals exclusively inhabit the Southern Hemisphere and have a circumpolar distribution. They can be found in the pack ice surrounding Antarctica and are often spotted near larger subantarctic islands like Macquarie, Heard, and the Falklands.
To learn more about this collaboration and how Speedcast continues to keep AAD’s operations fully connected, visit www.speedcast.com/nuyina. Additionally, gain valuable insights into the deployment experience through our Service Delivery Manager’s personal account in his Australian Antarctic Program Blog titled “My ICT Retrospective“.
Photos Credit: Michael Quensier