We have exciting news from one of the most remote places on Earth! Our latest cable for the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and Michigan State University has now been delivered to its final destination at the South Pole.
In November, the cable was loaded for transport on a sledge at latitude 77° 50'47" S for the final leg to the South Pole. After a three-week-long journey across the Antarctic landscape, the delivery has now reached its destination at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. The on-site team will immediately test one of the cables to ensure everything works as expected. Full installation of the remaining material is planned for December and January.
This delivery for Michigan State University is part of an upgrade of the IceCube Neutrino Observatory, one of the world's most advanced scientific projects. Located deep in the Antarctic ice, IceCube is designed to detect neutrinos—tiny, nearly massless particles that hold clues to the most violent cosmic events, such as supernovas and black holes.
Our cables play a crucial role in this mission. They must withstand extreme conditions (down to -80°C) while ensuring ultra-low signal loss and precise timing over lengths of up to three kilometers. These requirements make Hexatronic one of the few companies worldwide capable of producing such specialized solutions.
And yes, the research team reports an unusual challenge during their daily meetings—curious penguins interrupting their work!