FT-X - Kerguelen

[4L5A]

After several contacts with the staff of the ministry responsible for the TAAF, they would authorize an expedition to Kerguelen, but with one condition: that I not be part of the team. They criticize me for my attitude, which was deemed very negative during my stay in Crozet (FT8WW), and accuse the amateur community of making numerous phone calls and sending emails to continually review the terms of the signed contract, all during my stay.

The first point is truly hurtful; everyone remembers how much I participated in the chores and work at the base, always in good spirit. In fact, I was not explicitly informed about the basis for the criticism. As for the second point, which also seems inaccurate to me, if it were true, it would be the community that should be held responsible, not me. Everyone knows that I had no phone and very limited email access in Crozet. All these points were communicated to me over the phone; of course, there's nothing in writing! In short, the TAAF (French Territorial Administration of French Southern and Antarctic Territories) has found a new way to say no.

Since the team consisted of Pascal F8TRT and me, denying me access means the project is canceled. Some friends find these responses very unfair, and new contacts are still underway with ministry staff. However, I admit to feeling very demotivated and struggling to accept the criticisms I've received.

It's important to understand that there are two parties involved in this matter: the ministry staff in Paris (the minister), who have a very positive attitude toward the project, and the TAAF in RÇunion (the prefect), who clearly does not want the project to proceed, constantly coming up with new justifications.

I'll be sure to keep you informed if there are any updates.

[4L5A]

1 – Current Situation.

An increasing number of friends have been inquiring about the expedition project to Kerguelen. It has now been two years since I was actively involved from Crozet, necessitating an update on its progress.

During my stay in Crozet, I established contacts, sometimes friendly,with various individuals working within the TAAF (Terres Australes et Antarctiques Françaises). After drafting the dossier in collaboration with the REF (Réseau des Émetteurs Français), I felt fairly confident, and we submitted it directly to the TAAF authorities. The personnel at TAAF noted that the station did not disrupt wildlife, particularly avian species, and that my interaction with the base staff had been positive. Despite this, as you are aware, we encountered a rejection, which came as a surprise to me. We did not fully understand the reasons behind this refusal, but we had to adapt to the situation.

Consequently, we forwarded the dossier to the ministry responsible for TAAF. There, we received a rather positive reception, which led us to hope for a favorable outcome regarding our request. Unfortunately, despite two subsequent inquiries directed to TAAF, we have yet to secure approval for our departure. We have been asked for a number of justifications that I find somewhat perplexing. Moreover, the political climate in France complicates our efforts, even though our contacts at the ministry remain consistent and appear supportive of our project.

Following this overview, I will elaborate on the specifics of our project so that everyone can form an informed opinion.

2 – The Project

Embarking alone, as I did for Crozet, proves challenging given the adverse weather conditions and the anticipation of amateur radio enthusiasts for establishing contacts on their desired modes and bands. To enhance our efforts beyond mere traffic, I have invited my friend Pascal F8TRT to join me. Consequently, the project envisions the participation of two operators.

I will not elaborate on the traffic component, as it is easily imaginable. However, it is crucial to note that we aim to be active on the 10, 7, and 3.5 MHz bands, in contrast to Crozet. Given that the scientific measurement laboratories in Kerguelen are several kilometers away from the base, we believe they will remain undisturbed.

Moreover, we have outlined three additional domains:

Educational Program:
The success of the contacts established with 16 educational institutions during my stay in Crozet, which included video exchanges via QO-100 with scientists and classrooms, has prompted us to expand this initiative to approximately forty classes. To mitigate the technical failures encountered during the Crozet expedition, we plan to bring two QO-100 stations, each equipped for DATV. The support from AMSAT-Francophone and LOTA (Leaner On The Air) will enable us to realize this ambitious educational program.

Scientific Program:
We are in discussions with LATMOS (Laboratoire Atmosphères, Milieux, Observations Spatiales), which has requested that AMSAT-Francophone and Electrolab propose a transportable command and control station. This station has been designed and developed by Electrolab, incorporating innovative concepts such as hacking solar panel positioning systems and software-defined radio. Our role will involve the temporary installation of this station and the validation of its concept under these latitudes.

Disaster Response Program:
The recent damage caused by Cyclone Chido in Mayotte has once again highlighted the assistance that amateur radio operators can provide in emergency plans, even in the most developed countries. Thus, with the support of FNRASEC (Fédération Nationale des Radioamateurs au service de la Sécurité Civile) and its president F5FS, a project for the installation of a radio station, followed by network testing with the mainland, has been proposed.

3 – Conclusions

We would like to conclude with two reflections.

Before the advent of the Internet and satellite communications, radio operators were present annually in the territories to facilitate communications with Réunion and the TAAF. We had the opportunity to meet many veterans who reminisced about those times. Despite the valuable services rendered and the efforts of our predecessors, it is undeniable that today, the amateur radio community is no longer recognized.

We are granting ourselves until spring to secure the necessary approval; beyond this timeframe, the project will be abandoned.

With a departure planned between December 2025 and March 2026, it is essential to dispatch the trunks by mid-August. Five months are required to finalize the arrangements with the TAAF regarding the installation of stations and antennas at the base, as well as to design and gather the necessary equipment. Training sessions with LATMOS equipment are also crucial, in addition to the shipment of the containers. If we are unable to accomplish all of this within the coming year, we will no longer be of the right age to undertake such an expedition, which would lead to the project’s cancellation. We are, therefore, now in the final sprint.

We hope to have addressed all your inquiries. Let us keep our fingers crossed, and during this season of goodwill, we remain hopeful.

Thierry – F6CUK and Pascal – F8TRT
kerguelen-2025@r-e-f.org