80-Day, 3,400km Antarctica Trek

Spanish explorer Ramón Larramendi is set to embark on an 80-day, 3,400-kilometre trek to the South Pole, leading an expedition that will travel across the interior of Antarctica without using fossil fuels for transport. The Wind Sled Antarctica 2026-2027 project aims to expand knowledge about ice, climate change, and polar ecosystems.

The expedition will carry instruments to conduct 16 research projects in some of the most inaccessible regions on the planet. The Wind Sled, a polar exploration platform, uses kites to harness the power of the wind and solar energy to power scientific equipment. The sled is 15 metres long and can carry up to 2,100 kilos of cargo.

The crew will have 20 kites, with surface areas ranging from five to 150 square metres, to aid in their journey. In favourable winds, the sled can reach speeds of up to 80 kilometres per hour. The route will start near Russia's Novolazarevskaya base, in Queen Maud Land, and end at the French-Italian Concordia station on Dome C, after crossing the Pole of Inaccessibility and skirting the vicinity of the Pole of Cold.

The Wind Sled has been in development and testing for around 25 years, during which Ramón Larramendi has travelled more than 28,000 kilometres over ice on different expeditions. The expedition will leave Spain on 18 October and is scheduled to return in early February.

## Why it matters The Wind Sled Antarctica 2026-2027 project is significant not only because of its emission-free approach but also due to the vast amount of research it aims to conduct. By expanding knowledge about ice, climate change, and polar ecosystems, the expedition can provide valuable insights into the impact of global warming on the planet. The success of this project can also pave the way for future emission-free expeditions, reducing the environmental footprint of scientific research in Antarctica.

The Wind Sled's unique design, inspired by Inuit culture, combines traditional techniques with advanced technology, making it an exceptional vehicle for long-distance travel without combustion engines or aerial resupply. As Ramón Larramendi notes, the Wind Sled is 'completely unique in the world', highlighting its potential to revolutionize polar exploration.