Russian hosting provider RUVDS has announced plans to deliver a server to the South Pole in 2025. This is not the first time RUVDS has embarked on such an ambitious project. Previously, the company delivered a server to the Arctic, and now they plan to do the same in the even harsher conditions of Antarctica.
The new experiment will involve installing a high-speed communication channel alongside the server. The server is expected to be insulated with weather-resistant equipment to protect against extreme cold, and the system will include backup power supplies. RUVDS aims to provide an uninterruptible, high-speed communication channel that will allow any user to access what they are calling the ‘Antarctic data center.’ The company is currently considering options for delivering the equipment, including by transport plane or ship.
Antarctic mission builds on arctic success
Nikita Tsaplin, CEO of RUVDS, emphasized that the Antarctic mission builds upon their earlier experiment at the North Pole, where they successfully launched a server connected to the firm’s satellite. “Antarctica, as a region with much more complex logistics and conditions, allows us to continue research at a new level,” Tsaplin said. The goal is not only to test communication capabilities but also to explore the possibility of commercial use for the server.
In their earlier Arctic mission, RUVDS deployed a server at the Barneo Ice Camp—a Swiss-operated drift station on the frozen Arctic Ocean. The server was dropped by an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft and connected to RUVDS’ satellite, which was launched in 2023. Unfortunately, the Arctic experiment ended earlier than expected due to a crack in the ice that necessitated an emergency evacuation. Despite this, RUVDS sees these initiatives as crucial steps in understanding the challenges of operating data infrastructure in extreme environments.
