China's research icebreaker Xuelong, or Snow Dragon, set off from Shanghai on October 31, marking the start of the country's 39th Antarctic expedition.

The Tsinghua University Suzhou Automotive Research Institute provides more than 40 advanced equipment, which will under the extreme weather significantly improve long-distance sailing and life support capability for the team in Antarctica.

Cheng Bo, president of the institute, said the institute started the design and research of the homegrown equipment, such as transport vehicles and communication systems two years ago.

(Photo provided to Xinhua Daily)

These efforts have leveraged the strengths of the prestigious university in the fields of aerospace and automotive engineering, materials and computational science and included rounds of research, which finally made breakthroughs on several fronts including laser communication, positioning and environmental monitoring.

To help the team's scientific research, the institute has developed a chassis system, a high-performance engine, specialized tracks and an unmanned multifunctional mobile cabin applicable to the extreme environment.

In this research, the wheeled, crawler-type and unmanned transport devices developed by the institute will help the team reach Zhongshan Station, Taishan Station, Kunlun Station and the Grove Mountains, and the expedition will also be a test of the all-terrain driving of these equipment as well as autonomous surveying, communication and atmospheric environment monitoring.