Gaby
The experimental transportation of oxygen tanks from the base camp to Camp 1 marked a new era in the history of conquering the highest mountain in the world.
Everest, or Chomolungma (Tibetan for “Mother of the Universe”), is the highest peak on Earth. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between China and Nepal. The height of the mountain is 8,848.86 meters above sea level.
In addition to balloons, the drone from the Chinese technology company DJI delivered other useful items to the climbers. And on its way back, it took away the trash.
DJI has launched a project in collaboration with Nepalese Airlift, a company that produces 8K RAW videos, and local guides. From now on drones They will be able to deliver cargoes weighing up to 15 kilograms to significant heights in extreme conditions, the publication reported. IFLScience .
Why is this important?
The base camp from which the drone launched is located at an altitude of 5,300 meters. Here, climbers planning to conquer Everest gather their strength before the risky ascent. The thing is, at altitudes between 5,400 and 5,800 meters, the human body is subjected to extreme stress. Therefore, staying at heights above this can quickly become fatal.
This is difficult also because the ascent from one camp to another, which is spread over an altitude of 6000 meters, passes through the Khumbu icefall. This is one of the most dangerous stages of the climb.
Climbers tackling this section may need food and support until they can safely descend or until rescuers find them. Thus, the ability to deliver supplies using drones is a true breakthrough in enhancing the safety of these adventurers.
Also drones will help solve one of the biggest problems – cleaning the mountain of garbage. By the way, each climber leaves an average of 8 kg of trash on Everest during their ascent and descent.
Traditionally, local guide-sherpas are responsible for transporting supplies and collecting waste. This is a tough and dangerous role. Sometimes they have to cross the icefall up to 30 times in a season. In doing so, they carry supplies such as oxygen and gas cylinders, tents, provisions, and ropes. The journey through the icefall usually takes place at night when the temperatures are lowest and the ice is more stable. However, human losses are still unavoidable.
“We have to spend 6-8 hours every day navigating this icefall,” said Mingma Gyalje Sherpa, a mountain guide with Imagine Nepal, who lost three friends last year.
Meanwhile, the use of drones can protect people from such risks. Drones deliver supplies and remove waste in just 12 minutes. The devices make their ascents and descents regardless of the time of day. Therefore, they can provide significant support for porters.
“We are very pleased that our DJI FlyCart 30 has successfully completed the task. The safe transportation of equipment, materials, and waste using drones can revolutionize logistics in mountaineering on Everest, facilitate waste collection efforts, and enhance safety,” said Kristina Zhang, Senior Director of Corporate Strategy at DJI.
Before the DJI FlyCart 30 embarked on its test flight, the engineers of the manufacturing company studied the extreme conditions around Everest. They considered how the drone would perform at high altitudes with temperatures ranging from -15 °C to 5 °C and wind speeds of up to 15 meters per second.
Then the drone was subjected to various tests, such as hovering with a load, wind resistance, operation in low temperatures, and payload capacity with a gradual increase in useful weight.
If all goes well, these drones will help limit the negative impact of humans on the Everest ecosystem and also enhance the safety of those who dream of conquering this towering mountain.
