- Project News
We are writing to provide a brief update on Herc Dome planning, following conversations with NSF. Although the start of drilling is still a few years away, it remains a top science priority for Polar Programs.
We emphasize that much uncertainty remains regarding NSF’s budget priorities, so we cannot offer any specific guidance about proposals (it is always a good idea to talk directly with program managers!). However, we are happy to report that the planned schedule we communicated last year has not changed. Of course, things can get pushed back, as we’ve already seen happen, but the current plan is:
- 2027/2028: First traverse of equipment to Hercules Dome
- 2028/2029: Second traverse of equipment to Hercules Dome, plus drill set-up and possible drilling through the firn
- 2029/2030: First major drilling season
- 2030/2031: Second drilling season
- 2031/2032: Close out and any post-drilling activities (e.g., replicate coring and borehole logging (not yet proposed or funded))
This past season (2025/2026) was devoted to developing traverse capability and scoping the route, which will include a waypoint in the vicinity of “Camp 20” or “Talley Ho” on the Ross Ice Shelf and will branch off from the South Pole Traverse (SPoT) route. The Intermediate Science Transverse (IST) is in operation and is part of the logistics planned for Herc Dome (though additional sleds and other equipment are still needed for the actual traverse to Herc Dome). This season saw successful combined US and NZ activity along part of this route, associated with the NZ-led SWAIS2C project. Next season, these activities will continue, and we are optimistic that a final route will be set for the first traverse the following year.