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Scientists set out from Shanghai on Monday for China's 21st expedition to Antarctica, hoping to make it to the summit of Dome A, the highest point on the ice-covered continent

A total of 146 people boarded the ship Xuelong, "Snow Dragon" in Chinese, at Shanghai's Minsheng Lu Dock to kick off the 150-day expedition.

Their main goal is to climb the South Pole's highest icecap, said Wei Wenliang, a senior official with the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.

Other research that will be undertaken includes not only ecological and oceanographic data collection but also investigation of the psychological effects of the polar environment on crew members.

It is the 11th polar trip for Xuelong, a polar science research ice-breaker. This one, however, is considered to be its most difficult mission to date, said sources with the State Oceanic Administration during the send-off ceremony.

The ship will travel through westerly winds in areas where huge crests and gales are likely to test the crew. "This expedition is going to be a milestone in the history of China's Antarctic exploration," said Wei.

As well as conducting scientific experiments and collecting ice samples on the peak of Dome A, they will construct a temporary weather observatory. The average temperature there is minus 50 C in summer and minus 70 C in winter.

Located far from the coastline in the deep Antarctic interior, Dome A has a dangerous reputation for being particularly inaccessible -- even by polar standards.

If the expedition is successful, China will be the first country to enter the area by land.