The USAP Portal: Science and Support in Antarctica - 2005-2006 Science Planning Summary

McMurdo Station
The United States Antarctic Program operates three permanent research stations on the continent and two research vessels. It also supports work that is not based at any of the stations or on the vessels. Below are the planned season dates and the estimated populations of each station and both research vessels.
20 Aug 2005 Winfly 05 Oct 2005 Mainbody 23 Feb 2006 Austral winter season begins
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
21 Oct 2005 Operational opening 28 Oct 2005 Austral summer season begins 15 Feb 2006 Austral winter season begins
Palmer Station
22 Sep 2005 Operational opening 10 Oct 2005 Austral summer season begins 08 Apr 2006 Austral winter season begins
Research Vessels
Vessels operate year-round. Vessel schedules on the portal: http://www.usap.gov/vesselScienceAndOperations/

Estimated Population
McMurdo Station
900 Summer weekly average 2,900 Summer total 200 Winter total
Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station
245 to 258 Summer weekly average 725 Summer total 75 Winter total
Palmer Station
31 to 45 Seasonal range 20 Winter total
Research Vessels
RV/IB Nathaniel B. Palmer: 39 science and RPSC staff, 25 crew ARSV Laurence M. Gould: 38 science and RPSC staff, 25 crew