China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team works on the site of the country's first-ever hot-water drilling test in Antarctica in February. The Ministry of Natural Resources said on Tuesday that the drilling test has been successfully completed, reaching a depth of 3,413 meters. The achievement breaks the previous world record of 2,540 meters for polar hot-water drilling, marking a major technological leap.

An ultraviolet lamp ring around the borehole entrance sterilizes the hot-water drill and hose to prevent microbial contamination. See story, page 3