Australia launches mission to rescue Antarctic researcher developing Serious Medical Condition.

Australia has launched an urgent operation to rescue a researcher with a "developing medical condition" from the remote Casey outpost in Antarctica.

The icebreaker RSV Nuyina left from Tasmania last week, the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) said.

It is travelling thousands of miles to reach the station after an air rescue was ruled out due to harsh conditions.

The AAP said the researcher, an Australian, needs specialist treatment but did not name the condition.

The programme added that it had taken weeks to prepare the Nuyina for the mission, including equipping it with helicopters.