Chinese survey team reaches the summit of Mount Qomolangma
By
Cheng Shijie, People’s Daily
A Chinese survey team reached the summit of
Mount Qomolangma via the north ridge on May 27.
Climbing the world's highest peak resembles the
courage and strength of mankind.
George Mallory, a well-known British mountaineer and explorer, lost his life during his attempt to scale the
world's highest peak in 1924.
"Because it's there." Mallory said in
response to questions on what motivated him to climb the mountain prior to his
last attempt in his life.
The first ascent of Mount Qomolangma by its north
ridge was completed by a Chinese expedition team in 1960, at the sacrifice of frostbite,
amputation and even life.
Chinese
mountaineers measured the height of Mount
Qomolangma for the first time on May 27, 1975, or exactly 45 years ago. They faced
more challenges in this mission, as their load was further expanded by survey
equipment, and they must stay for a longer period of time at the peak in
extremely low oxygen content, low temperature and strong gales.
Nowadays,
technologies are further contributing to mankind's efforts to conquer Mount
Qomolangma.
A
couple of days earlier, the world’s highest 5G base station started service on Mount
Qomolangma, covering its north ridge and the peak with 5G network for the first
time. China's BeiDou
Navigation Satellite System (BDS) was also applied this time to provide the
climbers with more accurate positioning service. Precise meteorological data
helped the climbers locate the best time for ascending, and tailor-made
portable survey equipment also reduced weight while ensuring higher precision.
Also applied for the first time
was the airborne gravity technology. Together with remote sensing survey, it
would fill relevant data gaps.
Besides,
the airborne method is also able to achieve extensive and precise
three-dimensional topographic data of Mount Qomolangma and surrounding areas, presenting
the world a clearer picture of the mountain.
Nevertheless, the charm of Mount Qomolangma
remains everlasting.
In 1975, Chinese climber Xia Boyu suffered
frostbite in an expedition and had to have his feet amputated. In 2017, the man
had a comeback with prosthetic legs, but was forced to retreat by blizzard
though he was only 90 meters away from the summit.
In 2018, Xia finally scaled the mountain,
reaching the destination that he has planned for 43 years.
Staff members celebrate the ascending at the base camp at
Mount Qomolangma at an altitude of 5,200 meters, May 27. (Photo by Jigme Dorje,
Xinhua News Agency)
Chinese survey team reaches the summit of Mount Qomolangma
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