A futuristic habitat 260 feet (80 meters) below the ocean's surface, where scientists live and work for weeks... This is no longer science fiction, but the Deep project, currently under construction in the UK.
Funded by an anonymous investor, Deep aims to establish a permanent human presence under the seas by 2027. This bold project combines cutting-edge technology and scientific research to explore the largely unknown ocean depths.
A legacy from the 1960s
The idea of underwater habitats dates back to the 1960s, with the experiments of Jacques-Yves Cousteau. Although these projects were abandoned, they inspired initiatives like Aquarius Reef, still used by NASA to train its astronauts.
Deep picks up this torch with even greater ambitions. Unlike the fixed habitats of the past, its modules, called "Sentinels," are modular and deployable at various depths, offering unprecedented flexibility for research.
Technology adapted to the depths
The Sentinels are designed to withstand extreme pressures, up to 660 feet (200 meters) deep. Built with special steel, they feature portholes offering breathtaking views of marine life, as well as comfortable living spaces.
Every detail has been thought out for the well-being of the occupants, from spacious bedrooms to modern toilets. A bioreactor is also under development to manage waste, enabling extended autonomy underwater.
Preparing humans for underwater life
Living underwater requires rigorous physical and psychological preparation. Deep uses simulators to assess the ability of future residents to endure isolation and close quarters for long periods.
Training can last up to 18 months for novices. Special menus, rich in bold flavors, are also being developed to compensate for the loss of taste sensitivity due to pressure.
A future beneath the seas
Deep is not limited to scientific research. In the long term, it could host tourists or even serve as a base for permanent human colonies. This project opens up unprecedented perspectives for ocean exploration and understanding.
With strong partnerships, such as the one with the safety agency DNV, Deep ensures that every aspect of the project is tested and certified. The goal is to make the ocean accessible and habitable, while pushing the boundaries of science.
To go further: What is underwater pressure and how does it affect humans?
Underwater pressure is the force exerted by water on any submerged object or living being. It increases with depth: at 33 feet (10 meters), it is already twice the atmospheric pressure at the surface.
This pressure affects the human body in several ways. It compresses air-filled cavities, such as the lungs and sinuses, which can cause pain or injury if the descent is too rapid. Divers must therefore adapt gradually.
Underwater habitats, like those in the Deep project, are designed to counteract these effects. They maintain a stable internal pressure, allowing occupants to live and work comfortably, even at 660 feet (200 meters) deep.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND