China successfully tests snow Leopard polar vehicle in Antarctica

08:00

By: Sahili Aya

China successfully tests snow Leopard polar vehicle in Antarctica

China has taken a new step in strengthening its polar research capabilities after successfully testing its domestically developed Snow Leopard polar vehicle during a recent Antarctic mission, according to Chinese media reports.

The six-wheel-drive vehicle completed more than 10,000 kilometers of trials across the Antarctic continent over a period of roughly two and a half months. During the mission, it was tested on a wide range of surfaces, including sea ice, gravel, compact snow, soft snow and solid ice, demonstrating its adaptability to extreme polar conditions.

Unlike traditional tracked vehicles commonly used in polar environments, the Snow Leopard relies on a wheeled design that allows for higher speeds and greater efficiency. Researchers involved in the mission reported that the vehicle achieved significantly faster average speeds on snow-covered terrain, while also maintaining stability and reliability in harsh weather conditions.

The trials were carried out as part of China’s 42nd Antarctic expedition. During the mission, the vehicle was used to facilitate travel between research stations, support logistical operations and improve emergency response capabilities in remote areas of the continent. Scientists noted that this mobility represents a major advantage for future fieldwork and long-distance scientific operations.

Beyond vehicle testing, the expedition also supports broader scientific objectives, including advanced drilling projects beneath Antarctica’s thick ice sheet. Chinese researchers plan to use domestically developed drilling technologies to collect clean samples from subglacial environments, reinforcing China’s growing role in international polar research.