Groundbreaking Initiative Enabling Permanent Human Residency Underwater Set for 2027
DEEP, an innovative ocean technology and exploration company dedicated to the vision of ‘Making Humans Aquatic,’ announced its groundbreaking initiative in September 2023. The company aims to establish a permanent human presence beneath the ocean’s surface starting in 2027, achieved through the installation of sub-sea stations facilitating continuous research operations down to 200 meters.
During a press conference on September 4, a UK-based firm revealed its vision for a lasting human presence on the ocean floor, employing the ambitious DEEP System. This system enables researchers to remain submerged for extended durations, marking a significant leap in oceanic exploration capabilities.
Steve Etherton, President and EMEA of DEEP Research Labs Limited, founded in 2021, emphasized the critical importance of understanding and preserving the oceans. He expressed the hope that DEEP’s innovative technology would empower scientists to operate at considerable depths, contributing to our comprehension of this vital ecosystem.
The DEEP System, centered around the Sentinel underwater habitat, will be unveiled, offering direct ocean access, individual living suites, configurable workspaces, and communal areas for researchers. The intention is to position the Sentinel System on the ocean floor, providing scientists with the ability to extend their underwater stays significantly.
Rick Goddard, Director of DEEP Sentinels, highlighted the system’s flexibility in fulfilling various missions and its potential to revolutionize marine science, exploration, and environmental research. The Sentinel underwater habitat will be complemented by a range of submersibles and scientific equipment, covering diverse ocean depths.
DEEP’s mission extends beyond equipment invention; it includes developing human performance to sustainably explore, live, work, and thrive underwater. Mike Taylor, Strategic Partnerships Lead, emphasized the comprehensive approach taken by DEEP, including technical training programs and a unique underwater R&D test facility, the DEEP Campus.
The Sentinel System’s initial phase will enable scientists to reside underwater at depths of up to 200 meters for up to 28 days. This extended access will cover a significant portion of the world’s continental shelves, offering a transformative approach to observing, monitoring, and understanding the oceans.
DEEP is already engaging with potential international partners who share a long-term view of planet needs. Sean Wolpert, President, Americas of DEEP, stressed the potential benefits for humanity in preserving and harnessing the oceans, especially in the emerging blue economy.
After two years of intensive research, DEEP is advancing into the technical design and production phase, offering a modular, scalable, and autonomous underwater habitat. The company envisions ten multi-span developments globally by 2035, with the ambitious goal of the first human being born subsea by 2050.
The UK’s South West and Wales were chosen as DEEP’s initial base due to the region’s expertise in marine engineering, diving, and submersible technology. Alongside the underwater habitat, DEEP has established the DEEP Institute and plans to transform the National Dive & Activity Centre into the DEEP Campus, a world-leading facility for training, testing, and research.
Beth Allen, DEEP’s Associate COO, expressed excitement about unveiling DEEP to the world and emphasized the collaborative efforts with pioneers, explorers, and researchers to advance understanding and safeguard marine ecosystems.
Find out all about Project Sentinel on Deep.com official website.
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