Really interesting read - I just accepted a position with the US Antarctic Program as senior computer technician at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station this upcoming summer season, and I'll be spending a good amount of time at McMurdo in transit on the way to and from the Pole.
The research I've done on what to expect in Antarctica (and stories I heard during the interview process) are really, really interesting.
While McMurdo is the largest permanent base on the continent it's still incredibly isolated and self sufficient - and the polar station / field camps, an order of magnitude more so. Literally the closest thing we currently have to a permenant Mars colony. The USAP doesn't let anyone stay on ice longer than a year to prevent potential mental health issues.
If there's anyone else here involved (or previously involved) with the USAP here, I'd love to connect.
The research I've done on what to expect in Antarctica (and stories I heard during the interview process) are really, really interesting.
While McMurdo is the largest permanent base on the continent it's still incredibly isolated and self sufficient - and the polar station / field camps, an order of magnitude more so. Literally the closest thing we currently have to a permenant Mars colony. The USAP doesn't let anyone stay on ice longer than a year to prevent potential mental health issues.
If there's anyone else here involved (or previously involved) with the USAP here, I'd love to connect.