Jinnah Antarctic Station
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This article relies on references to primary sources. (January 2009) |
The Jinnah Antarctic Station (JAS) is an Antarctic scientific research station operated by the Pakistan Antarctic Programe.[1][2] It is located in the vicinity of Sør Rondane Mountains, Queen Maud Land in Eastern Antarctica.[2]
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Description and history [edit]
Pakistan signed the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) in 1991. The programme was launched by the scientists of National Institute of Oceanography, with the full fledged support of Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan Government. The program was led by the Pakistan Navy as it had provided the logistic support to the programme. In 1991, the Jinnah Antarctic Station was established. Pakistan maintains two summer research stations and one weather observatory in the vicinity of the Sør Rondane Mountains.
Facilities [edit]
The facilities were quickly expanded by the NIO. Government advisors belonging to Ministry of Science and Technology frequently visited the area. Pakistan Naval engineers and scientists oversaw the development of the base. By 1994, the base was improved technologically and made advanced. In, 2001, the data operational system was connected to Badr-B satellite. The satellite sends digital imagery of the region to NIO's Headquarters. In 2002, SUPARCO scientists visited the base, where they set up and installed the advanced supercomputer equipped Control room, directly ran by the NIO and SUPARCO's scientists. In 2005, Pakistan Air Force engineers and scientists built a small airstrip, and a control room to monitor the flights to and from Pakistan. As of 2010, the Pakistan Government has given a green light to expand the JAS facility into a permanent lead operational base.[3]
Cooperation with the USA [edit]
Communication gears were set up with the United States' Antarctic Program.
US-Pakistani research [edit]
As of today[when?], the JAS is frequently visited by US scientists who conduct their research with their Pakistani counterparts.
References [edit]
- ^ Mills, J.M. (2003). Exploring polar frontiers: a historical encyclopedia. 1 (A–M). Santa Barbara: ABC-CLIO.
- ^ a b "Antarctic Research". Pakistan: National Institute of Oceanography.
- ^ Molle, Kris (29 October 2010). "Pakistan and Antarctica". The Polar Conservation Organisation. Archived from the original on 28 January 2012.
