Easter Island/Salas y Gomez
2-23 September 1995
The 1995 Cordell Expedition to Easter Island and Salas y Gomez is a multipurpose, multidisciplinary project involving natural science, amateur radio, archaeology, and state-of-the-art computer-based communications. A major goal is to implement new techniques for using available high technology to enhance communications from remote sites, to document and monitor natural resources, and to preserve and protect our cultural heritage. Click here for a more detailed SUMMARY
Thor Heyerdahl and the Explorers Club
Beacon XR0Y/B
The expedition will involve natural science, amateur radio, archaeology, and state-of-the-art computer and communications technology. Plans include investigation of the emerged, intertidal, and subtidal areas around Easter Island and Salas y Gomez; making representative collections of terrestrial, avian, and marine specimens; implementing a variety of digital and amateur radio communications links; conducting research on radio propagation during low sunspot conditions; and implementing computer network technology for remote field conditions.
A major goal of the expedition is to bring worldwide attention to the usefulness of using existing advanced technology to document and monitor the natural resources at remote sites such as Salas y Gomez, and to preserve and protect cultural heritage such as the Easter Island archaeological records.
The expedition will be carried out by two separate teams operating simultaneously. One team will travel to Easter Island and establish a camp and operations center at La Perouse, on the north side of the island. The other team will sail from Chile directly to Salas y Gomez, which lies 225 nm to the east of Easter Island. That team will be helicoptered on the island, and remain there for approximately 6 days, subsequently returning directly to Chile.
The total crew for both teams is about 30, and includes persons from the US, Mexico, Netherlands, UK, Switzerland, Belgium, and Chile. Onsite arrangements will be facilitated by local groups in Chile and on Easter Island.
A variety of innovative radio techniques will be implemented for this expedition. It is planned to deploy 4 stations operating 24 hours on Easter Island, using all bands and all communication modes legally allowed. Facilities include operations on 160 meters, 6 m EME (moonbounce), slow-scan TV, and RTTY and other digital modes. An internet connection will enable daily uploading of log data, news, and other information. Scientific data, radio data and logs, and news will be communicated to the central site, from where it will be posted on a WWW server and distributed over Internet, FidoNet, PacketCluster, and other networks to various hubs, nodes, and individuals. Major innovations for amateur radio include a network of anchor stations that serve to distribute information locally, next-day QSL cards, automatic callbook lookup and personal QSL card composition, and automatic email confirmation of contacts. A multiband HF beacon will operate during the entire expedition.
The expedition will be documented in a book, video, CD-ROM, and audio tape. A variety of souvenirs, including coffee mugs, tee-shirts, and photographs will be available and will help defray the expenses of the expedition.
The expedition is financed by contributions from participants, industrial partners, scientific, and governmental organizations. Partial support has been provided by the radio, computer, communications, and travel industries. Partial support will be obtained from donations ,and from the sale of souvenirs.
This expedition will be conducted in full compliance with the laws and policies of the Republic of Chile, and the local rules and customs of Easter Island.
Cordell Expeditions has 20 years' experience in exploration and documentation of remote sites. The work of the group led to the designation of a U. S. National Marine Sanctuary, the publication of several books, and a continuing series of expeditions to environmentally sensitive sites worldwide.
For more information, contact one of the following:
Dr. Robert W. Schmieder
National Coordinator
Director, Cordell Expeditions
4295 Walnut Blvd.
Walnut Creek, California 94596 USA
tel: (510) 934-3735 (voice and fax)
email: cordell@ccnet.com
Dr. Carlos George-Nascimento
International Coordinator
2061 Magnolia Way
Walnut Creek, California 94596 USA
tel: (510) 601-2822 (office)
tel: (510) 655-8453 (fax)
tel: (510) 935-2768 (home)
email:carlos_george-nascimento@cc.chiron.com