Mario Zucchelli Station
Mario Zucchelli Station is an Italian seasonal research station in Antarctica, located at Terra Nova Bay on a granitic headland along the coast of the Northern Foothills to the north-east of Gerlache Inlet. It has been named after Mario Zucchelli, director of the activities, which conducted for sixteen years, for the ENEA-Unità Tecnica Antartide as part of the National Antarctic Research Program (PNRA).
The main functions carried out by the Station are:
- – logistic support to scientific personnel operating in remote fields
- – logistical and operational support to the oceanographic ship
- – support to research activities with laboratories and instrumentation
- – support to personnel and material in transit for Concordia Station
- – support to air operations
Our team executed a strategic split arrival at Mario Zucchelli Station (MZS), with helicopters touching down on the 8th and Twin Otters following on the 10th. Station leader Rocco Ascione and the Italian base personnel welcomed us with characteristic warmth, hospitality and support to accomplish routine inspections to our aircraft.
This well-timed stopover at MZS has provided our team with essential rest and recovery, including the luxury of proper showers—a welcome comfort after weeks of expedition conditions. As we enter the final quarter of our journey, the Ross Sea stretches ahead, with Cape Crozier marking our next destination.
The team’s spirits are refreshed as we prepare for this crucial segment. The support from MZS has been instrumental in positioning us for the challenging Ross Sea section that lies ahead.
Current Location
