From:ChinaDaily | 2021-05-08 08:08 First time domestically built icebreaker carried out polar mission independently China's latest scientific expedition to Antarctica concluded on Friday as mission members returned to their home base in Shanghai. Xuelong 2, China's second－and its first domestically built－research icebreaker, arrived in its port in the eastern economic powerhouse on Friday morning, marking the success of the country's 37th Antarctic expedition that lasted 179 days, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources, which administers the nation's oceanic and polar research activities. Carrying more than 100 researchers and support staff members, Xuelong 2 departed Shanghai on Nov 10 and traveled more than 66,000 kilometers during the six-month operation.