Development of a Remote Station Architecture
McMurdo Station,
Antarctica
6. THE UNITED STATES ANTARCTIC RESEARCH PROGRAM (USARP)
Since the IGY, the United States has had a major sustained presence on the Antarctic continent (fig.1) supporting principal scientific activities in biology, earth sciences, upper and lower atmospheric sciences, meteorology, glaciology, oceanography and astrophysics. The primary bases the NSF has developed, maintained, and administered are McMurdo Station, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, built in 1971, and Palmer Station on the Antarctic Peninsula, built in 1964. Siple Station, at the base of the Antarctic Peninsula was built in 1973, rebuilt again in 1979 and finally decommissioned in 1985. Several camps were erected temporarily at remote locations for specific scientific research efforts in particular areas. Ocean research has been and is conducted in the ocean surrounding Antarctica on research vessels operated by the NSF.
McMurdo Station has remained the hub of all U.S. activity on the continent, with the exception of Palmer Station which is serviced by ship from Chile due to its location on the Antarctic peninsula (fig. 1). Annually, over 1,500 people travel to the “ice” through McMurdo Station to conduct scientific activities or to provide support services. Traditionally the ratio has been one scientist per nine support staff. Although it is charged with overall control of U.S. operations, the NSF directs other organizations to provide the logistic and facilities support required by polar science. The U.S. Navy’s Naval Support Force Antarctica (NSFA) and a civilian contractor have shared responsibility for facilities operations and maintenance and new construction at McMurdo. Antarctic Development Squadron, VXE6, maintains operation of all NSF owned aircraft, including ski equipped LC-130 Hercules cargo planes and UH-1N Huey Helicopters. The U.S. Air Force provides airlifts of cargo and passengers in C-141 and C-5A aircraft at the beginning of each season along with the New Zealand Air Force using C-130 aircraft. The U.S. Coast Guard provides UH-52 Sikorsky Helicopter and ice cutter service at the end of each season in McMurdo Sound.
Proceed to next section: 7. The Engineering Manual for McMurdo Station
Table of Contents
1. Abstract
2.
Preface
3. Location
4. Historic Background
5. The International Geophysical Year
6. The United States Antarctic Research Program
7. The Engineering Manual for McMurdo Station
8. The Holmes & Narver Ten Year Master Plan
9. The Replacement Science Facility
10. Final Design of the Replacement Science Facility
11. Bibliography
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