When I served in Antarctica only the older station was in operation. We did work on the utility corridor in 1972 that was going be under the new one, but that was all that had been constructed at that time. I am certain the older station has since collapsed under the weight of snow-ice build-up.
I do not dismiss Heckler’s claims outright, yet there is a good chance that many more other people would have also come forward with this ‘story’, if true. Most of what he is saying sounds a little too much to take seriously. Think about this one very important element that could make what he is saying believable. How much power would it take to keep that type of directed energy weapon in operation? Where could that amount of energy be obtained? Could not be from sunlight, and fuel oil would need to be flown in by planes.
Listen carefully… when temperatures are always -30 to -70 F and lower, and it is dark almost all year the biggest problems are keeping people warm and fed, and keeping their waste products cleaned out of the area.
Another consideration would be the human beings living in that extreme environment, in confined spaces, and how it affects them mentally. Another thing to consider is that of all my good friends who I served with all died in their 40’s, or 50’s. Meaning the extremes take a toll on a person’s body and especially their mental health. It was fortunate that I had a health issue and was returned to the McMurdo Base after about 3 weeks. I still have nightmares every winter from that experience.