Mount Everest's First Drone Delivery: A Game-Changer

During the Tests, Flycart 30 Reached a Height of 6,191.8 Meters on Mount Everest — *During the Tests, Flycart 30 Reached a Height of 6,191.8 Meters (20,314 Feet) on Mount Everest*

Mount Everest experienced its first drone delivery in a successful test conducted in April this year. This achievement opens up possibilities for aiding mountain climbing, rescue missions, and environmental protection efforts at high altitudes.

The delivery was carried out by the technology company DJI, in partnership with Nepalese Airlift, the video production company 8KRAW, and local guides.

The drone used for the delivery was a FlyCart 30, designed for long-distance heavy lifting, with a maximum carrying capacity of 15 kilograms (33 pounds).

This drone is designed to deliver packages to unconventional locations; as DJI states, it can ascend “beyond traditional logistical limits.”

Xinhua News, based in Beijing, reported that during the tests in April, a DJI FlyCart 30 was used to transport three oxygen bottles and 1.5 kilograms of other supplies from Base Camp (5,364 meters or 17,598.43 feet above sea level) to Camp 1 (approximately 6,000m or 19,685ft) on Mount Everest,

Also known as Mt. Qomolangma in China. The drone also carried waste back with it.

DJI's FlyCart 30 drone began a delivery test from the Mount Everest base camp on April 30 — *DJI’s Flycart 30 Drone Began a Delivery Test from the Mount Everest Base Camp on April 30*

Despite freezing temperatures and strong winds, the drone reached a height of nearly 6,200 meters during the round trip. Surprisingly, it still had 43 percent battery power left, as reported by the company.

During the tests, the FlyCart 30 flew as high as 6,191.8m (20,314ft) on Mount Everest, which sits on the border of Nepal and China. It managed to carry a steady 15kg payload at an altitude of 6,000 meters.

People who struggle on this part of the mountain may need supplies and support until they can descend safely or until rescue teams reach them. Therefore, delivering supplies via drones is an important step toward improving mountaineer safety.

Additionally, it can aid efforts to clean up the mountain, as every climber leaves tons of trash during their ascent and descent.

Traditionally, local Sherpa guides are responsible for transporting supplies and recovering waste left on the mountain. However, this is a demanding and dangerous job.

It requires them to cross the icefall up to 30 times a season while carrying supplies like oxygen bottles, gas canisters, tents, food, and rope.

Drone Delivery Mount Everest — *Drones might one day ease the burden on Nepalese guides who brave perilous climbs to clear the tons of trash left behind by climbers and possibly provide urgent aid to those in need.*

This journey across the icefall usually happens at night when temperatures are lowest and the ice is more stable. However, using drones can make a significant difference.

They can transport supplies and collect trash in 12-minute round trips, anytime. This can significantly aid the valuable efforts of the local Sherpas.

Before the FlyCart 30 underwent its test flight, DJI engineers assessed the effects of the harsh environment around Everest.

They had to consider how the drone would perform at high altitudes, facing temperatures ranging between -15° to 5°C (5 to 41°F), and winds reaching up to 15 meters per second.

The engineers then conducted various tests on the drone, including hover stability, wind resistance, performance in low temperatures, and weight capacity with increasingly heavier payloads.

Following the successful test, the Nepalese government has contracted a local drone service company to establish a drone delivery operation on the southern slope of Everest.

If successful, these drones could signify new advancements in minimizing human impact on Everest and enhancing safety for all involved in climbing this massive mountain.