27/02/2026
DESECHEO DXPEDITION 2026 UPDATE
February 27, 2026 02:10 UTC
Operations from Desecheo Island began on January 12, 2026, with a clear objective:
To demonstrate that a major DXpedition could be conducted efficiently, responsibly, and sustainably — without amplifiers, without fuel-powered generators, and without environmental impact.
Today, after 46 days of uninterrupted operation, we have reached a significant milestone:
100,000 QSOs Logged
This achievement represents more than a numerical benchmark. It marks several important firsts in DXpedition history:
• The first fully solar-powered major DXpedition to achieve 100,000 QSOs
• The first major DXpedition to reach 100,000 QSOs operating exclusively low power
• A rare entity activation conducted under strict U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service environmental regulations
• Continuous operation of a Remote Deployment Unit powered entirely by solar energy and battery storage
• A focused operating strategy emphasizing All-Time New Ones (ATNOs)
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By the Numbers (as of February 27, 2026 UTC)
• 100,000 Total QSOs
• 19,414 Unique Callsigns Worked
• 4,815 ATNOs Granted
• 177 DXCC Entities Logged
Averaged over the first 46 days, this represents approximately 2,170 QSOs per day using low-power, solar-only operation.
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Global Reach
QSOs have been logged across all populated continents, including North America, Europe, Japan and the rest of Asia, South America, Oceania, and Africa. While North America and Europe account for the largest share of contacts, significant effort has been made to ensure access to operators in more distant and challenging regions.
From 160 meters through 2 meters, and across CW, SSB, and digital modes, our priority has remained consistent: maximize opportunities for operators who genuinely needed KP5, particularly those seeking an ATNO.
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Environmental Stewardship
Desecheo Island is a protected National Wildlife Refuge. Permission to operate required strict adherence to environmental constraints, including:
• Limited antenna size and configuration
• No permanent installations
• No use of fuel-powered generators
• No ground disturbance
• Full compliance with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service operational guidelines
All operations have been conducted within these parameters. This DXpedition demonstrates that high-impact results can be achieved with minimal environmental footprint.
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A Different DXpedition Model
Historically, large DXpeditions have relied on high transmitter power and continuous generator operation. Desecheo 2026 has instead operated with:
• 100% solar-generated power
• Battery energy storage only
• Low-power transmission throughout
• Remote deployment architecture
This approach establishes a new model for sustainable DXpedition design while still delivering world-class results.
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The Desecheo DXpedition 2026 Team sincerely thanks the amateur radio community worldwide for its continued interest and support of this innovative, low-impact activation of a rare DXCC entity.
If you are enjoying this operation and would like to support future DXpeditions and the continued development of more effective Remote Deployment Units, donations may be made to the Manyana DX Foundation at:
👉 https://manyanadx.org/dxp/
Please follow our progress on our website and page:
👉 https://desecheo2026.com/kp5/
73,
Steve N2AJ
Media Officer & Pilot
Desecheo DXpedition 2026
QSL Manager: M0OXO
