The team is set to depart from Cape Town on the SA Agulhas on Thursday 6 April 2006 for its year-long mission. Working in isolation, they will conduct various research projects that play an important role in weather forecasts for South Africa and are crucial to understanding the global climate, how it varies from year to year, and how humans affect it.
"Our contact to the rest of the world is highly limited throughout our expedition" says Kobus Joubert, Marion 63 team leader. "The team is excited at the prospect of having up-to-the-minute news, sports and music through Worldspace as there is no commercial radio or television at our base. We look forward to using Worldspace to stay current and keep morale high throughout the mission."
Each year, a team of South Africans, including engineers, technicians, nurses and doctors, departs to conduct research on Marion and Gough Islands, as well as in Antarctica. The research, supported by the South African Department of Environmental Affairs & Tourism, is conducted on space, upper atmospheric phenomenon ('ozone layer'), and meteorological, geological, oceanographic and biological sciences in an effort to understand the environment through science and technology.
"As the pioneer of satellite radio and digital audio radio services (DARS), Worldspace is well positioned to provide the MARION team with a voice from home unavailable anywhere else," explains Hamza Farooqui, MD Worldspace Southern Africa. "We are committed to supporting the region, and the Marion Expedition provided an excellent opportunity for us to demonstrate the value of the Worldspace network while contributing to the success of South Africa's environmental research objectives."
Worldspace Systems combine satellites and digital transmission to create a new medium that makes communication possible where traditionally it would be limited. Using Worldspace satellite radio receivers, the scientists will have access to more than 40 different genres from leading brands around the globe including the BBC, CNN, Virgin Radio UK, Maestro, UPop, East Coast Radio and Jacaranda FM, ensuring that they are kept "in the know" while also enjoying entertaining content.
