Chinese scientific expedition heads for Antarctica

China's icebreaking research vessel, the Xuelong, which literally means Snow Dragon, has left its port in Shanghai for Antarctica.

China's icebreaking research vessel, the Xuelong has left its port in Shanghai for Antarctica.

Carrying a 281 person team, scientists will be travelling thousands of miles south to two research stations in Antarctica to conduct research. Once there, they will be able to survey the frozen continent aboard two specially made helicopters. The expedition is expected to last 163 days, until April next year.