Ice drilling site plan
(from the National Institute of Polar Research)
Terahertz telescope facility plan
(from the University of Tsukuba)
We are working on construction technologies to support future polar facilities with the aim of advancing space science research and solving social issues such as global warming. We are also working with the National Institute of Polar Research on research and development of technology for buildings on uneven ground as well as ultralightweight structural materials suitable for transportation to cope with the harsh environmental conditions unique to polar regions (snow-covered ground, windstorms, ultralow temperatures, long-distance transportation, construction conditions, etc.).
Honda Tsuyoshi
Chief Researcher, Foundation Structure Group, Ground and Foundation Department
When I first heard about the construction of a telescope on top of a 3000 m thick layer of snow in the harsh environment of Antarctica, where advanced building technology is not readily available, I thought of the ruins of Angkor Wat, where stone structures weighing as much as skyscrapers are still standing on soft ground. The secret behind such durability is in the combination of “low technology” with sensible construction methods, and in my research, I hope to bring the same effectiveness to buildings in Antarctica.