The North Pole-39 expedition, part of the Soviet Union's series of drifting ice stations, began on April 23, 1989 and concluded on October 5, 1990. It was the 39th such station in the Soviet Union's effort to monitor and study the Arctic region through drifting research posts. The ice station was set up to study meteorological conditions, polar biology, and the movement of sea ice, while also allowing for continuous observation of the Arctic environment and its climate effects.

The mission started in the Russian Arctic and drifted across the polar icecap for several months. These expeditions were a critical component of Soviet Arctic research, providing valuable data on the region's environment during the late Cold War period. The North Pole-39 mission lasted for over 18 months, offering a valuable scientific resource before it was closed( Antarctic Heritage Trust)(Arctic Exploration Timeline - American Polar Society).