First computing tool: using a miniature transmitter-receiver from American company Magellan (GSC, Global Satellite Communicator) linked to the portable computer, Hubert and Dansercoer can at any moment send electronic mail and even sound over the Internet. How big is it? The size of a large electronic calculator; 15 cm high and a few centimetres thick, weighing about 500 grams, easily held in the hand. This revolutionary machine operates using the new satellite network ORBCOMM which has been in the launch process since 1996 and includes 4 polar satellites revolving at an altitude of 775 km. Combined with their Compaq Armada, it weighs only slightly over 1.5 kg, batteries included. Furthermore, it is not susceptible to the magnetic interference which abounds in the Polar regions.

	Emergency Plan There will also be an Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB). It transmits a modulated signal (VHF) on 121.5 KHz and 243.0 MHz so that aircraft can detect the transmitter via the SARSAT satellite system Weight: 280 grams.

Second computing tool: in order to communicate their daily position more easily, the expedition will carry two Argos beacons capable of sending out one or more coded messages; the beacons will be linked to 3 satellites in polar orbit circling the Argos system which passes over the Antarctic every 103 minutes.

Third computing tool for the expedition: a navigation instrument GPS (Global Positioning System), Garmin GPS III (255 g) equipped with Energizer-brand lithium batteries. This navigation system is based on the use of a constellation of 24 satellites and was developed by the United States Defence Service. It provides information night and day, allowing for simple navigation and position-estimating accurate within about 10 metres.

Recording what has to be recorded, on the day, every day. The partnership with COMPAQ, one of the major computer companies, means that the "South Through the Pole 1997-98" expedition also has to take a portable computer with them - an Amada 4110 - which, contrary to what occurred on the venture to the North Pole, has not been modified in any specific way. It is loaded with a lithium battery. This lap top will be used in particular to encode the many scientific observations made throughout the duration of Hubert-Sansercoer journey (see the section on the scientific assignment), to send e-mail messages (see above) and to enter progress data on a daily basis. "This aspect is important for our daily progress," explains Alain Hubert. "In fact, we have established a programme of daily distances to be achieved and the directions to take depending on the prevailing winds and temperatures. It will therefore be essential to compare our table of progress with the one on the portable on a daily basis. This will enable us to re-evaluate things as the need arises, alter the pace of progress to the best possible level established in advance, and define the course for the next day." Specific software which the expedition purchased from Sony should moreover allow the transmission to Belgium of both sound and perhaps even images via their digital Sony DVR-7 camera which weighs less than 500 grams.