Reclaiming Russia's position as Antarctica's leading explorer.

Nearly two centuries after discovering Antarctica’s frigid frontiers, Russia is hoping its oil-forged riches can help it reclaim its position as the southern continent’s leading explorer.

Summer hits the Antarctic when Russia is just getting its first frosts and snow.

Each year, in early November, the Russian expedition to Antarctica departs from St. Petersburg. This season, the expedition’s flagship, the Akademik Fyodorov (above), set sail on November 3. Along with the research vessel Akademik Karpinsky, it will serve the 230 staff of the 52nd expedition, returning home on April 28.