Six Scientists Living 6,500 Feet Underwater for 40 Days: This Is China’s Ambitious Deep-Sea Space Station
In 1971, the Soviet Union launched its first space station, Salyut 1, which spent 175 days in orbit. Since then, the competition in the space sector has grown relentlessly. In contrast, about 80% of the ocean floor remains unmapped and unexplored, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Additionally, several studies have discovered key minerals essential for today’s technology, prompting China to begin its own initiatives.
An underwater lab. China has started construction of an underwater laboratory at a depth of about 6,500 feet in Guangzhou in the South China Sea. The South China Morning Post has described the project as a “deep-sea space station.” According to China Daily, six scientists will reside in the facility for more than a month to study the marine ecosystem.
An underwater base. Scientists aim to investigate the ecosystems of cold seeps, a natural phenomenon rich in methane hydrate. Experts view this gas as a less polluting alternative to traditional fossil fuels. However, extracting it from great depths poses significant risks. Moreover, China’s facility will also focus on exploring minerals such as cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, which are crucial for the tech and energy industries.