DEEP, a UK-based engineering firm, has officially announced its audacious plan to create a "permanent human presence" beneath the ocean's surface, beginning in 2027, IFLScience first reports.
The company's vision is nothing short of revolutionary, with mock-up images showcasing futuristic modular habitats that could enable individuals to live and work underwater at depths of up to 200 meters for an astounding 28 days at a time.
Image via DEEP
The Sentinel Underwater Habitat
At the heart of DEEP's ambitious endeavor is the Sentinel underwater habitat.
This versatile station boasts not only living spaces but also communal areas and state-of-the-art research labs.
These habitats are poised to open new frontiers for marine science, offering unprecedented opportunities for scientists to study the enigmatic underwater environment.
Steve Etherton, President of DEEP's arm in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, emphasized the significance of their mission:
"We need to preserve the oceans. To do that we need to understand them. The oceans sit at the center of many of the generational challenges the world is facing, and they also offer opportunities we have not even begun to comprehend."
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The DEEP System
DEEP's modular habitats are not just an engineering marvel but also a significant step toward sustainability.
According to DEEP, these modules will be powered by renewable energy sources seamlessly linked to a satellite communications buoy.
Perhaps most remarkably, the company is developing a cutting-edge bioreactor capable of treating all waste without the need for frequent tank emptying.
Moreover, DEEP envisions a service life of 20 years for the Sentinel units, allowing for their redeployment to various locations across the globe.
Progress and Partnerships
While futuristic concept designs often remain on paper, DEEP is taking tangible steps toward realizing its vision.
IFLScience tells us that the company plans to transform a flooded quarry in the UK, formerly known as the National Diving & Activity Centre, into a massive 600-meter (1,968-foot) long and 80-meter (262-foot) deep water facility.
This facility will serve as a hub for training, testing, and research—a testament to DEEP's commitment to making their vision a reality.
A New Era of Ocean Exploration
DEEP's venture is not just about creating underwater habitats. It is about unlocking the immense potential of the oceans.
The company notes that the emerging ocean/blue economy offers opportunities in pharmaceutical research, carbon capture, innovative medicines, and beyond. DEEP aims to foster cooperation and collaboration to harness these opportunities for generations to come.
The choice of the UK's South West and Wales as DEEP's initial base is strategic, given the region's unique cluster of marine engineering, diving, hyperbaric, and submersible expertise.
DEEP's facilities already house prototyping and pre-production capabilities, along with advanced material testing infrastructure.
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