중국 초점: 중국 쇄빙선, 남극 연구 성과 거두고 귀항
China Focus: Chinese polar icebreaker returns home after fruitful Antarctic research outcomes
Xinhua
ZH
2026-04-09 08:45
Translated
중국의 연구용 쇄빙선 설룡(雪龍)이 4월 9일 중국 동부 상하이의 기지에 입항했다. 설룡은 160일간의 항해를 마치고 목요일 상하이에 귀항했으며, 이는 중국의 42차 남극 원정대의 일환이다. (신화통신/장젠송)
상하이, 4월 9일(신화통신) -- 중국의 극지 쇄빙선 설룡(雪龍, 스노우 드래곤)이 160일간의 항해를 마친 후 목요일 중국 동부 상하이로 귀항했다. 이번 항해는 중국의 42차 남극 원정대의 일환으로 풍부한 과학연구 성과를 거두었다.
이번 극지 원정에는 550명의 연구원, 3,600톤 이상의 물자 및 104일간의 내륙 탐사가 동원되어 인원 규모와 업무량 측면에서 새로운 기록을 세웠다.
중국 극지연구소에 따르면 이번 원정대는 45개의 국가 과학기술 프로젝트 현장 구현을 지원했으며, 주요 기반 시설 건설, 과학 연구 및 모니터링, 자체 개발 장비의 시험 및 응용, 국제 협력 등에서 혁신적 성과를 달성했다.
원정대의 총괄 과학책임자인 웨이푸하이(韋富海)는 중국의 다섯 번째 남극 기지인 칭링 스테이션이 2024년 2월 운영을 시작한 이후 일상 운영 능력 면에서 "성숙 단계에 접어들었다"고 강조하면서, 기초 시스템이 개선되었고 기상 관측, 고층 대기 물리 관측 및 해양 환경 모니터링을 위한 다수의 과학 시설이 가동 중이라고 밝혔다.
남극 바퀴달린 차량과 신형 내륙 가압 선실을 포함한 여러 자체 개발 과학 장비는 이번 원정 중 뛰어난 성능을 보여주었으며, 극한 환경의 시험을 견뎌내며 남극 현장 작업 지원 능력을 향상시켰다.
특히 우수한 장비는 기술 혁신을 촉진했다. 예를 들어, 이번 원정대는 남극 빙상에서 국내 최초 열수 시추 실험을 진행하여 3,413미터의 깊이에 도달함으로써 이전의 전 지구적 기록인 2,540미터를 경신했다. 이는 빙하 아래의 생명, 고대 기후 기록 및 지구의 진화사에 관한 연구를 크게 지원할 것이라고 원정대는 밝혔다.
생태 조사에서도 뛰어난 성과가 도출되었다. 항해 중 원정대원들은 우주비행사 해(코스모노트 해)와 아문센 해를 포함한 주요 해역에서 종합 조사를 완료했다. 펭귄 서식지에 대한 '공중-지상' 모니터링 시스템을 구축하고 펭귄 개체군에 대한 항공 사진 조사를 실시했다. 또한 크릴과 빙호와 관련된 귀중한 샘플을 대량으로 수집했다.
160일간의 극저온 남극 날씨 속에서도 많은 훈훈한 상호작용이 있었다.
중국 원정대는 국내 항공기를 이용한 국제 인도주의 구호 활동을 실시하여 러시아가 아픈 사람과 고립된 인원을 철수하도록 도왔다. 중국의 만리장성 기지는 4명의 포르투갈 연구원이 연구를 수행하도록 지원했으며 러시아, 체코, 우루과이의 부상자에게 의료 지원을 제공했다. 쇄빙선 설룡은 또한 대한민국 원정대 23명의 수송을 돕기 위해 요청을 받았다.
또한 중국의 3개 남극 연구 기지와 2척의 쇄빙선은 11개국의 연구원 400명 이상의 방문을 받았다. 항해 중 이웃 기지에 대한 130회 이상의 방문을 조직했다. 기타 활동으로는 러시아 및 인도와 공동 개최한 남극 과학 학술 회의와 중국 영화제 상영이 있었다.
중국의 42차 남극 원정대는 2025년 11월 1일 상하이에서 출항했다. 설룡과 설룡 2호 두 척의 쇄빙선이 함께 지원했다. 원정은 5월에 종료될 것으로 예상된다. ■
이번 극지 원정에는 550명의 연구원, 3,600톤 이상의 물자 및 104일간의 내륙 탐사가 동원되어 인원 규모와 업무량 측면에서 새로운 기록을 세웠다.
중국 극지연구소에 따르면 이번 원정대는 45개의 국가 과학기술 프로젝트 현장 구현을 지원했으며, 주요 기반 시설 건설, 과학 연구 및 모니터링, 자체 개발 장비의 시험 및 응용, 국제 협력 등에서 혁신적 성과를 달성했다.
원정대의 총괄 과학책임자인 웨이푸하이(韋富海)는 중국의 다섯 번째 남극 기지인 칭링 스테이션이 2024년 2월 운영을 시작한 이후 일상 운영 능력 면에서 "성숙 단계에 접어들었다"고 강조하면서, 기초 시스템이 개선되었고 기상 관측, 고층 대기 물리 관측 및 해양 환경 모니터링을 위한 다수의 과학 시설이 가동 중이라고 밝혔다.
남극 바퀴달린 차량과 신형 내륙 가압 선실을 포함한 여러 자체 개발 과학 장비는 이번 원정 중 뛰어난 성능을 보여주었으며, 극한 환경의 시험을 견뎌내며 남극 현장 작업 지원 능력을 향상시켰다.
특히 우수한 장비는 기술 혁신을 촉진했다. 예를 들어, 이번 원정대는 남극 빙상에서 국내 최초 열수 시추 실험을 진행하여 3,413미터의 깊이에 도달함으로써 이전의 전 지구적 기록인 2,540미터를 경신했다. 이는 빙하 아래의 생명, 고대 기후 기록 및 지구의 진화사에 관한 연구를 크게 지원할 것이라고 원정대는 밝혔다.
생태 조사에서도 뛰어난 성과가 도출되었다. 항해 중 원정대원들은 우주비행사 해(코스모노트 해)와 아문센 해를 포함한 주요 해역에서 종합 조사를 완료했다. 펭귄 서식지에 대한 '공중-지상' 모니터링 시스템을 구축하고 펭귄 개체군에 대한 항공 사진 조사를 실시했다. 또한 크릴과 빙호와 관련된 귀중한 샘플을 대량으로 수집했다.
160일간의 극저온 남극 날씨 속에서도 많은 훈훈한 상호작용이 있었다.
중국 원정대는 국내 항공기를 이용한 국제 인도주의 구호 활동을 실시하여 러시아가 아픈 사람과 고립된 인원을 철수하도록 도왔다. 중국의 만리장성 기지는 4명의 포르투갈 연구원이 연구를 수행하도록 지원했으며 러시아, 체코, 우루과이의 부상자에게 의료 지원을 제공했다. 쇄빙선 설룡은 또한 대한민국 원정대 23명의 수송을 돕기 위해 요청을 받았다.
또한 중국의 3개 남극 연구 기지와 2척의 쇄빙선은 11개국의 연구원 400명 이상의 방문을 받았다. 항해 중 이웃 기지에 대한 130회 이상의 방문을 조직했다. 기타 활동으로는 러시아 및 인도와 공동 개최한 남극 과학 학술 회의와 중국 영화제 상영이 있었다.
중국의 42차 남극 원정대는 2025년 11월 1일 상하이에서 출항했다. 설룡과 설룡 2호 두 척의 쇄빙선이 함께 지원했다. 원정은 5월에 종료될 것으로 예상된다. ■
China's research icebreaker Xuelong docks at its base in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
SHANGHAI, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China's polar icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai in east China on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage, part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition, having achieved fruitful scientific research outcomes.
This polar expedition has involved 550 researchers, over 3,600 tonnes of routine supplies and 104 days of inland exploration, setting new records in terms of personnel scale and workload.
It has supported the on-site implementation of 45 national science and technology projects, achieving breakthroughs in major infrastructure construction, scientific research and monitoring, testing and application of home-grown equipment, and international cooperation, according to the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
Wei Fuhai, the lead and chief scientist of the expedition team, highlighted Qinling Station, China's fifth Antarctic base that began operations in February 2024, saying it has "come of age" in terms of routine operation capability, with its foundational systems improved and many scientific facilities for weather observation, upper-atmospheric physics observation and marine environment monitoring put into use.
A number of self-made scientific equipment items, including an Antarctic wheeled vehicle and a new inland pressurized cabin, also showed excellent performance during this expedition, withstanding the tests of harsh environments and enhancing support capability for field operations in Antarctica.
Good equipment, notably, has facilitated technological breakthroughs. For instance, the expedition has set a new record with the country's first hot-water drilling experiment on the Antarctic ice sheet, reaching a depth of 3,413 meters and surpassing the previous global mark of 2,540 meters. It will greatly support studies on life under the ice, ancient climate records and Earth's evolutionary history, the expedition team said.
Outstanding results were also obtained in ecological surveys. During the journey, the expedition members completed comprehensive investigations in key sea areas, including the Cosmonaut Sea and the Amundsen Sea. They established an "air-ground" monitoring system for penguin habitats and conducted aerial photography surveys of penguin populations. Additionally, they collected a large amount of precious samples related to krill and ice lakes.
Amid the 160 days of cold Antarctic weather, there were many heartwarming interactions.
The Chinese expedition team carried out an international humanitarian rescue using domestic aircraft to help Russia evacuate sick and stranded personnel. China's Great Wall Station supported four Portuguese researchers in conducting their studies and provided medical assistance to the injured from Russia, the Czech Republic and Uruguay. The icebreaker Xuelong was also invited to assist in transporting 23 expedition members from the Republic of Korea.
In addition, China's three Antarctic research stations, together with two icebreakers, received over 400 visits from researchers of 11 countries. They also organized more than 130 visits to neighboring stations during the journey. Other activities included academic conferences on Antarctic science jointly hosted with Russia and India, as well as a Chinese film festival.
China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team embarked on the journey from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2025. It has been jointly supported by two icebreakers, namely Xuelong and Xuelong 2. The expedition is anticipated to end in May. ■
Members of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team disembark from China's research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
A welcoming ceremony is held for China's research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
A member of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team (L) reunites with her family in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
People welcome the return of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
China's research icebreaker Xuelong docks at its base in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
A member of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team (R) reunites with her family in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
People welcome the return of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
Staff members unload containers from China's research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
SHANGHAI, April 9 (Xinhua) -- China's polar icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai in east China on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage, part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition, having achieved fruitful scientific research outcomes.
This polar expedition has involved 550 researchers, over 3,600 tonnes of routine supplies and 104 days of inland exploration, setting new records in terms of personnel scale and workload.
It has supported the on-site implementation of 45 national science and technology projects, achieving breakthroughs in major infrastructure construction, scientific research and monitoring, testing and application of home-grown equipment, and international cooperation, according to the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
Wei Fuhai, the lead and chief scientist of the expedition team, highlighted Qinling Station, China's fifth Antarctic base that began operations in February 2024, saying it has "come of age" in terms of routine operation capability, with its foundational systems improved and many scientific facilities for weather observation, upper-atmospheric physics observation and marine environment monitoring put into use.
A number of self-made scientific equipment items, including an Antarctic wheeled vehicle and a new inland pressurized cabin, also showed excellent performance during this expedition, withstanding the tests of harsh environments and enhancing support capability for field operations in Antarctica.
Good equipment, notably, has facilitated technological breakthroughs. For instance, the expedition has set a new record with the country's first hot-water drilling experiment on the Antarctic ice sheet, reaching a depth of 3,413 meters and surpassing the previous global mark of 2,540 meters. It will greatly support studies on life under the ice, ancient climate records and Earth's evolutionary history, the expedition team said.
Outstanding results were also obtained in ecological surveys. During the journey, the expedition members completed comprehensive investigations in key sea areas, including the Cosmonaut Sea and the Amundsen Sea. They established an "air-ground" monitoring system for penguin habitats and conducted aerial photography surveys of penguin populations. Additionally, they collected a large amount of precious samples related to krill and ice lakes.
Amid the 160 days of cold Antarctic weather, there were many heartwarming interactions.
The Chinese expedition team carried out an international humanitarian rescue using domestic aircraft to help Russia evacuate sick and stranded personnel. China's Great Wall Station supported four Portuguese researchers in conducting their studies and provided medical assistance to the injured from Russia, the Czech Republic and Uruguay. The icebreaker Xuelong was also invited to assist in transporting 23 expedition members from the Republic of Korea.
In addition, China's three Antarctic research stations, together with two icebreakers, received over 400 visits from researchers of 11 countries. They also organized more than 130 visits to neighboring stations during the journey. Other activities included academic conferences on Antarctic science jointly hosted with Russia and India, as well as a Chinese film festival.
China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team embarked on the journey from Shanghai on Nov. 1, 2025. It has been jointly supported by two icebreakers, namely Xuelong and Xuelong 2. The expedition is anticipated to end in May. ■
Members of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team disembark from China's research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
A welcoming ceremony is held for China's research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
A member of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team (L) reunites with her family in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
People welcome the return of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
China's research icebreaker Xuelong docks at its base in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
A member of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team (R) reunites with her family in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
People welcome the return of China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)
Staff members unload containers from China's research icebreaker Xuelong in Shanghai, east China, April 9, 2026. Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, returned to Shanghai on Thursday after a 160-day-long voyage which formed part of the country's 42nd Antarctic expedition. (Xinhua/Zhang Jiansong)