Rothera runway

The runway at Rothera is 900 metres long (2,950 ft) and is made of crushed rock.

To the west of the runway lies the aircraft hangar, which houses the Dash-7 and three Twin Otter aircraft protecting them from the harshest weather. Within the shelter of the hangar, aircfraft engineers carry out all the necessary servicing of the aircraft.

To the west also are the bulk fuel storage tanks, which are re-filled from ship each summer. The tank farm is surrounded by a bund wall that would contain the fuel if ever there was a spillage.

Well-equipped workshops are found in the centre of the site. Being in such a remote part of the world we have to be able to maintain all the station buildings, vehicles and equipment without outside help. There is a garage, and separate work areas for electricians, plumbers and builders.

The generator shed houses three Cummins engines that produce the stations electrical power need. In recent years improved management and use of new technologies have allowed us to reduce our overall electrical demand. There is currently a study into the use of suitable renewable energy sources compatible with the Antarctic environment and endemic wildlife.

Our water supply is provided through the use of ‘reverse osmosis’ filtration technology to convert sea water into potable fresh water. In the past, fresh water was produced by melting snow but this was always an energy-hungry solution.