Rothera Research Station opened in October 1975 as a research and logistics base for the UK scientific study of the Antarctic Peninsula. The station is situated to the south east of Adelaide Island. Until 1992, fixed wing Twin Otter aircraft used an ice runway (skiway) 300 m above the base on the Wormald Ice Piedmont. A crushed rock runway and hangarage were built for 1991-92 summer operations and a direct airlink from the
Falkland Islands to Rothera was inaugurated. Apart from the UK research ships RRS Charles Darwin, RRS Ernest Shackleton and RRS James Clark Ross, the
Royal Navys Antarctic Patrol Ship
HMS Protector moors close to the base and its ships flight helicopter(s) are occasional visitors. Unlike many bases, the station is open all year round, but maximum use is made in the Antarctic summers, to assist scientific and support staff from the British Antarctic Survey - part of the UK Natural Environment Research Council.
