The Royal Research Ship RRS Sir David Attenborough has been equipped with connectivity by Scotland-based Clarus Networks Group. The ship, operated by the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), is currently stationed at the King Edward Point Research Station on the island of South Georgia, approximately 860 miles southeast of the Falkland Islands.

The RRS Sir David Attenborough plays a crucial role in carrying out scientific exploration in one of the most remote and harsh regions on Earth. However, the extreme remoteness of the area has posed significant challenges in terms of communication infrastructure, leaving the vessel isolated for extended periods.

This partnership aims to connect the advanced research vessel to high-speed internet for the first time, revolutionising the way scientific research is conducted in the extreme environments of Antarctica, according to them. 

The work of BAS is focused on climate modelling and maintaining long-term datasets, which are vital in understanding and addressing the challenges posed by the rapidly changing polar regions.

Traditionally, the crew relied on outdated satellite technology, such as the two-way satellite ground station VSAT, which often struggled to provide reliable connectivity, particularly in the face of harsh environmental conditions prevalent in Antarctic waters.

However, with Clarus Networks Group’s expertise in connecting remote locations with low Earth orbit satellite technology, known as Starlink Maritime, the crew aboard the RRS Sir David Attenborough can now have access to high-speed internet, enabling them to transfer bandwidth-intensive data efficiently. 

Clarus’ solution uses Starlink Flat High Performance Antennas, which are designed to withstand extreme conditions and provide a constant connection. Starlink Maritime offers download speeds of up to 220 Mbps and upload speeds of up to 40 Mbps at sea, with a latency of 20-99ms.

This enhanced connectivity not only facilitates real-time collaboration and data sharing among researchers but also improves crew welfare by providing a stable connection for communication with loved ones and accessing support systems.

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“Having a consistently fast and reliable connection has opened avenues that were not possible before with older satellite technology, and working in remote, isolated areas is now so much easier and safer for everyone,” said Dean Evans, head of communications engineering at the British Antarctic Survey.

“Faster speeds now possible with Starlink enables scientists to collect and deliver data more effectively and makes it easier for those in Antarctica to reliably stay in contact with friends and family,” he continued. 

Commenting on the partnership, Chris Schonhut, maritime and energy director of The Clarus Networks Group said:  “Our partnership with BAS in equipping the RRS Sir David Attenborough demonstrates the power of low Earth orbit satellites. 

“Clarus is immensely proud to support BAS’s vital research in some of the world’s harshest environments.”

BAS’s adoption of Clarus’s connectivity solution extends beyond the RRS Sir David Attenborough, with plans to test innovative technologies like the Windracers ULTRA Remotely Piloted Airborne System (RPAS) at Rothera Research Station.