🇷🇺🧊 From Cape Town to Antarctica: Russia’s Gateway to the Ice Continent Did you know that Russia’s Progress research station in Antarctica is just 5,300 km from Cape Town? 🌍 Located on the eastern shore of Prydz Bay, in the Larsemann Hills, Progress is one of Russia’s five year-round Antarctic research stations. Established in 1988, it has become a key logistical hub for the Russian Antarctic Expedition. In November 2022, a historic flight connected Cape Town directly with Progress station. An IL-76 transport aircraft covered the 5,300 km journey in just 6 hours and 30 minutes, bringing 82 passengers to Antarctica. Today, scientists at Progress conduct research in glaciology, biology, oceanology, meteorology and other fields, contributing to our understanding of one of the planet’s most challenging environments. 🇷🇺🇿🇦 Cape Town is more than a meeting point for Russia and South Africa – it is also a gateway to Russia’s scientific work in Antarctica. Video: AARI #RussiaInAntarctics #RussiaSouthAfrica