Wind Sled, Spanish invention to cross Antarctica without emissions: 'Unique in the world'

Spanish explorer Ramón Larramendi plans to lead a pioneering expedition across Antarctica without using fossil fuels, in an effort to expand scientific knowledge and demonstrate sustainable polar exploration. The Wind Sled Antarctica 2026-2027 project will traverse around 3,400 kilometers over approximately 80 days, departing from Spain on October 18 and returning early in February.

The wind-powered sled, designed by Larramendi over 25 years, combines traditional Inuit techniques with advanced technology to travel long distances without combustion engines or aerial resupply.

The sled, measuring 15 meters in length, is equipped with 20 kites of varying sizes that harness wind power and solar energy to power scientific instruments. It can carry up to 2,100 kilograms of cargo, with the current expedition carrying around 250 kilograms of scientific instruments. The absence of fossil fuels reduces both the environmental impact and logistical needs of the expedition.

Fifteen scientific projects, selected through a call coordinated by the Spanish Polar Committee, will be conducted during the expedition. These studies will focus on various aspects of ice, climate change, polar ecosystems, microplastics, and even the effects of prolonged isolation on a crew for future space missions. The expedition team consists of Larramendi, polar guide Hilo Moreno, researcher Mariusz Potocki, and photographer Javier Selva.

They will also serve as subjects for the WindSled Mind project, which will analyze the psychological and physiological impacts of extended isolation on the crew.