Japanese scientists broadcast 8K resolution live video from Antarctica using Starlink satellites. This will help polar expedition participants act more effectively in the operational environment.

The experimental broadcast was organized by experts from KDDI Corporation and KDDI Research, the Intercollegiate Association of Research Institutes for Information Organization and Systems (ROIS) and the National Institute of Polar Research (NIPR).Starlink is the link between the Seva Station. Antarctica and KDDI Research’s head office in Japan.

“NIPR’s research and surveillance work, creating a communication environment in Antarctica and developing educational services play a role in solving global problems such as global warming.”, — commented on the project at KDDI Research. Researchers will comprehensively test the efficiency of the video transmission system from an 8K-compatible smartphone, identifying and eliminating problems so that it can be used from anywhere on the planet, regardless of the speed of the communication line.

The researchers say that the Starlink infrastructure’s wide channel width and low latency will help further improve the observation systems at the Seva station. Similar lines will also be used for observation at the North and South Poles in order to reduce the burden on expedition participants.