The U.S. National Science Foundation Office of Polar Programs Section for Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics (AIL) provides the operational and logistical platform for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.
AIL’s work supports U.S. Antarctic Program (USAP) deployers, including NSF, NASA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Department of Energy. AIL has close working relationships with other National Antarctic Programs to share resources and lessons learned.
The AIL team works to move USAP forward in four priority areas that are explored on this page:
Modernizing infrastructure
Billions of dollars in assets support USAP work across three permanent Antarctic stations, one research vessel, numerous seasonal field camps and three port/gateway locations.
- NSF McMurdo Station: The largest of the U.S. year-round stations, this station is the central logistical hub for the USAP, supporting research on the continent and at NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
- NSF Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station: The southernmost year-round research station in the world, this station serves as a critical center for cutting-edge scientific research and a logistical hub for access to East Antarctica.
- NSF Palmer Station: The northernmost U.S. year-round research station in Antarctica, this station serves as a key center for marine and biological research in the peninsula region.
- RVIB Nathaniel B. Palmer: The flagship icebreaking research vessel of USAP. The vessel’s icebreaking capacity, berthing capacity and advanced scientific capabilities are unique within NSF and the entire U.S. fleet of scientific research vessels.
If the infrastructure that enables Antarctic science is not kept robust and efficient, USAP is at risk of losing science capabilities as facilities, utilities, equipment and the vehicle fleet degrade. NSF is investing heavily in recapitalizing USAP infrastructure to ensure the health of the program for the coming decades.
Improving operations
AIL coordinates among numerous federal, military and commercial partners working together to execute a supply chain that stretches around the globe to provide USAP deployers with everything they need to live, work and conduct science in Antarctica. Military support is executed under the command of Joint Task Force – Support Forces Antarctica through Operation Deep Freeze.
Air operations partnerships include:
- Ski-equipped LC-130 aircraft operated by the U.S. Air Force (New York Air National Guard 109th Airlift Wing).
- C-17 Globemasters, the military’s largest cargo airframe, that operate out of Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington state (62nd Airlift Wing).
- Smaller aircraft support through the Department of Interior’s Office of Aviation Services.
- Weather forecasting and flight operations from Naval Information Warfare Center Atlantic.
Maritime support partnerships include:
- Icebreaking support from the USCGC Polar Star, the U.S.’s only active heavy icebreaker.
- Cargo vessel and fuel tanker support through Military Sealift Command.
Land capabilities:
- Overland science traverses (established and flagged routes) that enhance efficiency and reduce costs in transporting fuel and heavy science equipment between McMurdo Station and Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station.
- Cutting-edge laboratory facilities and world-class diving support to assist with science research and logistics.
Integrating planning
AIL manages the Antarctic Support Contract with Leidos, who works year-round to plan and execute work in Antarctica using clearly defined processes and timelines. Science support efforts can take years to prepare, and AIL continues to work towards longer planning horizons to give the research community more information about available capabilities.
Fostering a positive community environment
USAP deployers work hard in often difficult conditions. AIL is working to increase our direct engagement with the deployed community and make investments that will support high morale and make our stations a positive environment in which to work.