Undersea cable to Antarctica through Drake Passage is viable, researchers find — 1,600km route to Chile could spell an end to research data leaving in 'suitcases full of hard drives'

Researchers have concluded that a fiber-optic cable spanning the Drake Passage to Antarctica is technically feasible, potentially revolutionizing data transfer from the continent. The feasibility study, conducted by Salience Consulting and Pioneer Consulting for Chile's regulatory body Subtel, with backing from development bank CAF and financing from the China-initiated MCDF Finance Facility, proposes an instrumented cable with a dedicated fiber pair to each Antarctic research base.

The minimum configuration would serve three bases on King George Island and the northern Antarctic Peninsula, while the optimal scenario involves nine landing points, connecting research facilities from Chile, Argentina, Brazil, the United States, and the United Kingdom. The minimum build cost is estimated at $370 million, while the optimal build would cost roughly $620 million.

The cable would employ space-division multiplexing to deliver 15 to 30 Tbit/s connections at each Antarctic outpost, with the option for each base to select its transmission equipment. To overcome the harsh conditions of the Drake Passage and Antarctica's ice scour, the design incorporates horizontal directional drilling at the landing sites and double-armored cable.

The project faces several risks, including geopolitical tensions, financing, and procurement restrictions, which the study recommends addressing through neutral design, dark fiber, and user-controlled transmission gear. While the study does not recommend construction, it urges a phased approach to settle financing and political concerns before signing supply contracts.

The findings will be submitted to Chile's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Antarctic Policy Council for further consideration.