Snow Leopard padded onto the scene in August 2009.

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The amount of the Arctic covered by sea ice fell in late August to the lowest point since satellite observations began in 1979, the National Snow and Ice Data Center reported.

CNN: Ice floe halts Shell's new Arctic well

In August to September last year, China sent its one and only icebreaker Xue Long (Snow Dragon) on a successful two-way test run of the NSR.

CNN: China eyes Arctic options in energy, transport