U.S. to Make Medical Airdrop at South Pole
A U.S. Air Force jet loaded with medical supplies landed today in New Zealand to prepare for an emergency airdrop Sunday at the South Pole.
The 19-member crew is racing to the coldest place on Earth with supplies for a researcher who has discovered a lump in her breast. Weather conditions prevent her from leaving until at least October.
It is the dead of winter at the South Pole, with constant darkness, temperatures as low as 80 degrees below zero and winds of more than 60 mph. A landing to evacuate the woman from the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station would be impossible, U.S. military officials say.
The 47-year-old woman, whose name was not disclosed, works for Antarctic Support Services, which provides services for the National Science Foundation station.
Company spokeswoman Valerie Carroll and others familiar with the mission would not give details about the woman’s job or say whether the lump is cancerous.
The Air Force crew members will wear special clothes to protect them against subfreezing temperatures.
They will have to find the drop point in midwinter’s permanent night and shove pallets of medication and diagnostic equipment out a side door.
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