British company DEEP is advancing its mission to enable humans to work and live underwater with the development of Project Vanguard – its first pilot underwater habitat. This innovative expedition module, designed for a crew of three, is the precursor to Sentinel , a larger system that will be operational by 2027.
Vanguard paves the way for limitless ocean exploration
Vanguard will be deployed this year and will enable real-world testing of key ocean exploration technologies. Its compact and transportable design makes it an ideal choice for training, reconnaissance and recovery missions.
According to Kristen Tertoole, DEEP’s CEO, this habitat will provide essential operational experience for the construction and optimization of Sentinel, the company’s most ambitious project, ensuring that it is a crucial step towards making human presence under the ocean possible on a permanent basis.
Technology and habitat design
DEEP habitats integrate advanced technology to improve the safety and efficiency of underwater missions . Features include:
- 3D manufacturing with WAAM : allows you to create resistant structures with less material, optimizing their performance in high-pressure environments.
- Modular design : facilitates adaptation of habitats to diverse scientific and operational needs.
- Panoramic windows : improve visibility and promote continuous observation of the marine ecosystem.
Currently, the DEEP team is working with a full-scale wooden prototype of Sentinel to test space configurations and functionality before final manufacturing. This prototype will be used to shape a habitat simulator, which is another full-scale prototype made of aluminum that will be placed on a floating pontoon and will allow for mission simulation and emergency training for the crew.
Will it be possible to live underwater without risks?
The possibility of prolonged underwater stays represents a revolution for oceanic research. Scientists such as Ed O’Brien, from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, highlight the importance of these habitats for the advancement of scientific diving and the connection with the marine environment.
DEEP’s three-person habitat represents a paradigm shift for scientific diving operations.
O’Brien notes.
Timmy Gambin, a maritime archaeologist at the University of Malta, highlights the impact that Vanguard will have on underwater archaeology. The extended immersion time will allow for more detailed excavations at hard-to-reach sites.
The development of Vanguard and Sentinel opens the door to a new era in underwater exploration and habitability. DEEP seeks to transform humanity’s relationship with the ocean, providing tools that will enable unprecedented discoveries in the deep sea.
Looking ahead to 2027, human presence on the seabed is no longer just a possibility, but a reality in the making. Learn more details about the project in the following video.
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Source and photos: DEEP