Pink to streak across Antarctic snow

A bright pink vehicle filled with messages of hope and support for people with cancer will be dashing across the snow and soil in Antarctica this summer.

An Australian research base on the frozen continent will this summer be using Opal, a dual-cab Hagglunds vehicle repainted pink as part of a breast cancer awareness campaign.

"Like many people in the community, staff at the Australian Antarctic Division have been touched by cancer and we wanted to show our support," AAD Social Club president Melanie Pike says in a statement on Tuesday.

Inside Opal will be staff tributes for any loved ones who have lost their battle with cancer, and messages of support for family and friends living with cancer.

Hagglunds are used in Antarctica because their tracks, similar to those on army tanks, allow movement over soft snow and sea ice.

Opal will depart Hobart later this month on the Aurora Australis and is expected to arrive at Davis research station in November.