Scientists use UAVs for research and studies in Antarctica

Scientists testing drones for scientific research: British Antarctic Survey’s (BAS) Rothera Research Station scientists are testing pilotless drones in Antarctica in a bid to use the low-emission aerial devices to survey marine ecosystems and study glaciers, The Guardian reports.

Details: The Windracers Ultra uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) — which emits 90% less CO2 — is a 10-meter twin-engine drone that can cover a distance of up to 1k km and carry 100 kg of cargo or sensors. The drone is equipped with an autopilot system and AI-driven Swarm technology, allowing it to coordinate with other drones and create a single system for mapping and collecting data over a large area.

Why this matters: The drones have high GPS accuracy and survey capabilities and allow for large-scale mapping as well as low-cost, efficient, and safe data collection. The drones could survey marine ecosystems, study glaciers, investigate tectonic structures, and monitor ocean-atmosphere interaction.