The Reason Why Drones Are Banned In Antarctica

In 1959, twelve international locations signed The Antarctic Treaty, created to make sure this pristine space would solely be used for “peaceful purposes” and that every one outcomes from scientific analysis can be shared freely. It mainly made everything of Antarctica a nature reserve, and as of 2020, fifty-four countries have been a part of that treaty. 

Because nobody nation really owns Antarctica, vacationers do not want a visa or passport to journey there. But since there aren’t any industrial flights to the South Pole, you will have to rearrange your go to via a tour operator licensed to go there. And whether or not you are a citizen of one of many international locations that signed The Antarctic Treaty or not, you will want permission to journey there. You’ll additionally want to clarify why you are going, what you intend on doing, define what affect your journey may have on the setting, and conform to observe the foundations of The Antarctic Treaty (by way of Poseidon Expeditions).

The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has deemed that drone use in such an inhospitable setting can be detrimental to the native wildlife and the setting. Temperatures could be far too cold for most commercial drone batteries (though the brand new DJI M30 would possibly problem that notion) to function usually. Erratic, gusty winds can simply trigger drones to crash and hurt native wildlife, or go down in inaccessible places the place they cannot be recovered, the place they in flip could get eaten by curious penguins or leopard seals.

So if you happen to’re planning a visit to the South Pole quickly… do not trouble packing your drone.