Spain took an important step in its presence in Antarctica with the construction of a state-of-the-art laboratory on the continent. The initiative was presented as an effort to promote scientific research in the territory.
The new scientific module being erected in Antarctica represents a total investment of around 2 million euros.
It will have a built area of approximately 250 square meters and will have several laboratories available to serve the scientific community, an electronics and electricity space, a microscopy room, and a sanitary module.
Functionality of the clean laboratory in Antarctica
The clean laboratory that will be installed in this module will allow researchers to study the human impact on the planet, analyzing samples without contamination and ensuring the best possible results.
With its presence, Spain will incorporate one of the continent’s three unique clean laboratories. These spaces help avoid sample contamination and ensure precise results in key studies on climate change, biodiversity, and other polar phenomena.
Specifically, clean laboratories are designed to minimize contamination. They maintain a sterile environment and create biosafe areas to work on projects that require specific environmental conditions.
The 38th Spanish Antarctic Research Campaign, which began in late December 2024 and will end in March 2025, is coordinated by the Spanish Polar Committee of the Ministry and involves the participation of nearly 300 people, including scientists, technical staff, and logistical support.
How many Argentine bases are there in Antarctica?
Argentina’s presence in Antarctica consists of thirteen bases. Six are permanent (operational all year round) and the rest are temporary (operational only in summer). Of these, two are directly managed by the Foreign Ministry: Carlini (permanent, formerly Jubany Base) and Brown (temporary).
The other bases are managed by the Antarctic Joint Command (Ministry of Defense). They are Base Orcadas, Base Marambio, Base Esperanza, Base San Martín, and Base Belgrano II (permanent); and the temporary bases Melchior, Deception, Cámara, Primavera, Petrel, and Matienzo.
Cover photo: EFE.
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