Update May 14, 2026: The VP0SG team is pleased to announce that Megan EI5LA will join the South Georgia island 2027 DXpedition as our third and final young operator. With her addition, the VP0SG team is now complete and consists of 16 operators from Europe and North America.

Megan, aged 19, is currently studying engineering at University College Cork and has been active in amateur radio since receiving her license in 2021. Since then, she has become an active member of the EI7M contest team, developing a particular interest in CW contesting and high-level multi-operator operations.

Her contest experience already includes participation in several major international efforts, including CQ WW SSB 2025 from PJ2T. Together with Leon DL3ON one of the VP0SG team, she was also part of the youngest team at WRTC 2022 in Italy, operating as I44P.

Beyond contesting, Megan is actively involved in the Region 1 Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) community, reflecting her strong commitment to the future of amateur radio and youth engagement within the hobby.

With the addition of Megan, alongside KN2P and DL3ON, VP0SG reinforces its commitment to mentoring and integrating the next generation of DXers into complex real-world DXpedition operations. We are proud to see experienced operators and young talent working side by side on what will be one of the major DXpeditions of 2027.

Preparations continue to progress steadily, including logistics, permitting discussions with GSGSSI, and fundraising efforts linked to the expedition vessel MV MEREDIAN.

The VP0SG team will also be represented at the 2026 Dayton Hamvention, where we plan to be hosted at our sponsor GigaParts booth (Building 3, Marconi) this Friday and Saturday where KN2P Violetta and W0ZB Steve will meet members of the amateur radio community, sponsors, and supporters of the project.

Our first major milestone payment for the vessel is soon approaching, and we welcome your support via upfront donations.

Visit: https://www.ardxpeditions.com/dxpeditions/vp0sg

Further updates will follow in the coming weeks.
Best Regards,
VP0SG Team

Update May 3, 2026: Press Release 3, May 2026

Second Young Operator Announced – Strong Focus on the Next Generation.

Announcing our second young operator: Big focus on the next generation. Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD) is pleased to announce that Leon Hellmich, DL3ON, will be joining the VP0SG South Georgia 2027 expedition as our second young operator, following the previous announcement of Violetta, KN2P.

Leon, 22, studies electrical engineering at the Technical University of Munich. He discovered amateur radio in 2020 and quickly became involved in contests. Operating from DQ2A (formerly DQ2C), he developed strong contest and CW skills, earning him invitations to participate in major multi-operator events.

His experience includes operations from ES9C (Estonia) during the 2022 CQ WW SSB, as well as subsequent contests from PJ2T and J62K. He also operated as I44P at the 2022 WRTC in Italy, where he was the youngest participant. More recently, Leon was part of the DX S21WD expedition to Bangladesh in March 2026.

In addition to his on-air work, Leon is actively involved in the Youngsters On The Air (YOTA) program, contributing to the organization and documentation of youth camps across Europe. Alongside his studies, he serves as a student representative and is actively involved in managing his university's radio club station.

The VP0SG team places great emphasis on mentorship and generational continuity in DX expeditions, in line with the values ​​promoted by leading amateur radio community organizations. The inclusion of young operators like KN2P and DL3ON reflects our commitment to ensuring the next generation gains hands-on experience in complex, real-world DX environments. We are pleased to confirm that a third young operator will be announced soon, continuing this effort to support and develop future DX expeditions.

On the regulatory front, we are pleased to report that our application to the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) has been received positively, and the project is expected to enter the formal review phase in the coming weeks. Based on the constructive exchanges to date, we remain confident in the process.

Logistically, the project continues to progress, and the first major milestone related to our expedition vessel, the MV MEREDIAN, is fast approaching. As a privately funded expedition, VP0SG relies on the support of the amateur radio community. Therefore, we are actively seeking initial financial contributions from clubs, foundations, and individual donors to meet future commitments and ensure the success of this exceptional activation.

We will publish more updates soon.

ARD is a non-profit organization committed to activating exceptional DXCC entities through sustainable, technically sound expeditions with global impact. ARD's projects emphasize youth inclusion, operational excellence, and environmental responsibility.

For more information or to support the VP0SG expedition, please contact:
board@ardxpeditions.com
www.ardxpeditions.com/dxpeditions/vp0sg

Update February 18, 2026:  Support VP0SG – South Georgia 2027

ARDXpeditions is now actively fundraising for the VP0SG South Georgia DXpedition.

Your contribution will directly support vessel charter, transport, permits, fuel, and essential equipment for this major operation.

If you would like to support the project, you can donate securely via PayPal:  https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/VKE2A4QYLAPJS

Every contribution — large or small — helps bring VP0SG on the air for the global amateur radio community.

Thank you for your support.

Update January 8, 2026: Team completed with the addition of Violetta, KN2P.

The DX VP0SG South Georgia 2027 expedition, organized by Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD), is pleased to announce that the team has been completed with the addition of Violetta, KN2P.

Licensed since 2012, Violetta represents the next generation of active DXers, bringing strong operational skills and international experience. She has operated from major competition stations, including W3LPL, K3LR, PJ2T, and J62K, and has prior experience in DX expeditions as part of E51MWA.

Outside of the amateur radio field, Violetta is a single-engine and multi-engine flight instructor, bringing to the team a strong operational awareness and safety-oriented experience.

Her inclusion reflects ARD's commitment to mentorship and generational continuity in DX expeditions, ensuring that future leaders gain hands-on experience in complex and environmentally  sensitive operations.

With this addition, the VP0SG team is now complete, and preparations continue for the activation of South Georgia, scheduled for March 2027, subject to obtaining final permits.

Support the DX VP0SG expedition  VP0SG is a privately funded DX expedition, financed by contributions from operators, amateur radio clubs, foundations, and individual donors. Financial support is essential to making this exceptional activation possible.

More information and details about donations are available at: https://www.ardxpeditions.org
73s Team VP0SG

Update December 22, 2025:  The VP0SG South Georgia 2027 expedition, organized by Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD), continues to progress after reaching key milestones in recent months. ARD is pleased to announce the current list of operators, comprised of experienced operators from Europe and North America.

We are pleased to announce that Steve - W0ZB has joined the expedition leadership team as co-leader and team doctor, strengthening the North American representation on the expedition and bringing his professional medical expertise to the project.

Current Operator Team: Rune LA7THA (Team Leader), Erwann LB1QI (Co-Leader), Gjermund LB5GI (Co-Leader), Steve W0ZB (Co-Leader + Doctor), Fred F4HEC, Nobby G0VJG, Paul G4PUM, Giampaolo IU2EFB, Svein LA3BO, Philipp OE7PGI, Vlad OK2WX, Alex UR8UQ and Alex UR5UY.

The expedition plans to operate from South Georgia in March 2027 under the call sign VP0SG, subject to obtaining the necessary landing permits. Logistics support has been secured with the expedition vessel MV MEREDIAN, operated by 60° South. Collaboration with the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands continues and is progressing well.

VP0SG is a privately funded DX expedition, supported by contributions from operators, amateur radio clubs, foundations, and individual donors. Financial support is essential to making this exceptional activation possible.

Let's make it happen with your help! More updates will be posted as planning progresses.

VP0SG Team of '73

Update December 7, 2025: Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD) is pleased to announce a major milestone in the preparation of the VP0SG South Georgia 2027 DXpedition. We have successfully signed the vessel contract and first deposit is being paid, officially securing our expedition vessel: the MV MEREDIAN, operated by 60° South Expeditions.

Vessel Secured – Partnership with 60° South

The MV MEREDIAN is a robust, ice-strengthened expedition vessel capable of safely supporting land-based operations in the challenging sub-Antarctic environment. The experience of the 60° South team, combined with their long track record in the region, makes them an ideal partner for this ambitious project. Securing the vessel represents a crucial step that moves VP0SG from
planning to reality.

Progress With the Government of South Georgia

We are pleased to report positive progress in our ongoing dialogue with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI).

Our early planning has been well received, and the framework of our proposed operation is considered consistent with current guidance.

While the formal permit process will open in 2026, GSGSSI has expressed a willingness to continue working with us as we refine our plans throughout the coming months.

This represents a highly encouraging step toward obtaining the final landing permit required for onshore operations in 2027.

Team Announcement Coming Soon

Our operator team continues to take shape. We currently have 12 confirmed operators, with the potential addition of two more to further strengthen our capability in harsh environments using all modes (CW, SSB and FT8).

A full team announcement will be made very soon in our next press release.

Donations and Sponsorship

With the vessel secured, our fundraising phase is now fully underway.

We invite foundations, clubs, and individual donors who wish to support a rare activation of South Georgia to join us in making VP0SG a major DXpedition for the global amateur radio community.

Via PAYPAL                                             Via Bank transfer
For all donations you can use the           Amateur Radio DXpeditions
following email address on your             Sandshamna 28
Paypal app (to friends)                           SANDE, NORWAY

donations@ardxpeditions.com               BANK: SPAREBANK 1
                                                                   SMNBIC/SWIFT  SPTRNO22
Please don't forget your callsign!               IBAN NO8542140330765

QSL MANAGER

​Our QSL Manager is Charles, M0OXO:

QSL card will be requested via M0OXO.com/oqrs/logsearch.php" target="_blank">M0OXO's OQRS

Not in log: Use the busted call facility on the OQRS page.

Logsearch will also be found on ClubLog

For direct request:

Charles Wilmott (MØOXO)
60 Church Hill,Royston, Barnsley,
South Yorkshire,
S71 4NG England

Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD) is proud to announce plans for a groundbreaking DXpedition to South Georgia Island, set to take place in March 2027.

Operating under the allocated callsign VP0SG, this ambitious activation will target one of the rarest and most logistically challenging DXCC entities, well ranked on top of the ClubLog’s Most Wanted List, with particularly high demand in some areas of the world.

The remote sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia poses access difficulties due to its protected environmental status, mountainous terrain, and volatile weather conditions. After extensive negotiations and ongoing permitting discussions with the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI), ARD is optimistic about securing authorization for an onshore operation.

The team has reserved a rugged, ice-strengthened expedition motor vessel known for its support of polar science missions for the period of the DXpedition to South Georgia. The ship's versatility and compact size make it an ideal platform for staging low-impact landings and providing continuous logistical support to the operator team.

“Our goal is to deliver a world-class, environmentally responsible DX-pedition with global reach” said Rune LA7THA, one of the ARD leadership team. “This project combines technical innovation, strategic planning, and a strong commitment to youth mentorship.”

As a project that aligns closely with the values of international amateur radio collaboration, education, and high-impact DXing, ARD is currently seeking sponsorship and support from key organizations in the amateur radio community to bring VP0SG to life.

MORE INFORMATION TO COME! STAY TUNED

To donate, see:  https://www.ardxpeditions.com/support-us

About Amateur Radio DXpeditions (ARD):
ARD is a non-profit organisation committed to activating rare DXCC entities through sustainable, technically sound, and globally impactful expeditions. ARD projects emphasize youth inclusion, operational excellence, and environmental stewardship.

For more information or to support the VP0SG DXpedition, please contact: board@ardxpeditions.com