To print: Click here or Select File and then Print from your browser's menu

This story was printed from silicon.com, located at http://www.silicon.com/

Story URL: http://management.silicon.com/itdirector/0,39024673,39168855,00.htm

Photos: Cool tech behind an Arctic expedition
Comms left out in the cold...

By Gemma Simpson

Published: Wednesday 17 October 2007

The team will be taking with them three survey vessels to collate and transmit the data back to the expedition's UK headquarters.

Pictured is the main survey vessel which houses the equipment needed to carry out the survey and which will be pulled across the ice cap during the 2,000km journey across the ice and sea.

The main section of the vessel - called the 'sledge' - holds an onboard computer and power supply.

The sledge has been designed to withstand heavy-duty tours in the Arctic regions and is handmade using Kevlar fibres and epoxy resins. It also houses a floatation device with the team expected to be swimming for about 100 hours in total during the journey in water as cold as -1.8°C.

Photo credit: Gemma Simpson