Official Logo of the SeaOrbiter Project
General characteristics
TypeResearch/Semi-submersible
Height51 m (167 ft)

The SeaOrbiter, also known as Sea Orbiter (two words), is a proposed oceangoing research vessel. Construction was due to start in 2014 but by May 2015, only the Eye of SeaOrbiter has been completed,[1] and as of early 2021, there is no news of any other construction.

The SeaOrbiter is planned to allow scientists and others a residential yet mobile research station positioned under the oceans' surface, with laboratories, workshops, living quarters and a pressurized deck to support divers and submarines.[2]

SeaOrbiter is a project of the "Floating oceanographic laboratory" organisation. It is headed by French architect Jacques Rougerie, oceanographer Jacques Piccard and astronaut Jean-Loup Chrétien. In 2012 the cost was estimated to be around US$52.7 million.[3]

Description

As proposed, the laboratory would be a semi-submersible oceangoing craft weighing 1,000 tonnes (2,200,000 lb). It would have a total height of 51 metres (167 ft) with 31 metres (102 ft) below sea level.

It is designed to float vertically and drift with the ocean currents but has two small propellers allowing it to modify its trajectory and maneuver in confined waters. Underwater robots would be sent from the laboratory to explore the seabed. The hull would be made of an alloy of aluminum and magnesium.[4]

See also

  • Ben Franklin (PX-15), a 1968 research vessel designed to house a six-man crew for up to 30 days of oceanographic study in the depths of the Gulf Stream.
  • Earth 300, a proposed superyacht intended for scientific research
  • NEEMO, ongoing NASA program

References

  1. ↑ "Eye of SeaOrbiter Now Completed". SeaOrbiter.com. Archived from the original on 1 April 2017. Retrieved 11 April 2017.
  2. ↑ Allen, J. B. (December 2011). "Nature: Open-Water Investigator". Boys' Life.
  3. ↑ Steele, Billy (19 June 2012). "SeaOrbiter to begin construction by year's end, project price tag clocks in at $52.7 million". Engadget. Retrieved 20 June 2012.
  4. ↑ "SeaOrbiter Booklet" (PDF). SeaOrbiter.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 14 November 2013.
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