Project
Our globe is covered at 70% of oceans and yet we know virtually nothing about this medium. The pioneer Jacques-Yves Cousteau was the first to be interested in it and launch missions aboard the Calypso.
The architect Jacques Rougerie is far from being a novice in the field of marine architecture. For thirty years he designs homes underwater in any genre. He led for several years a draft marine mobile station can move with ocean currents, SeaOrbiter.
This impressive vessel of the seas will allow scientists to observe and understand this world that is so foreign and yet nourishes and regulates the Earth’s climate. The extent of its biodiversity is still largely unknown to biologists.
Mission
This amazing marine vessel can accommodate 18 permanent crew members, mostly scientists of all stripes, to conduct extensive research.
- Explore the marine environment and furthering knowledge on marine species and extent of biodiversity.
- Understanding the implications of oceans in regulating Earth’s climate. There are many ocean-atmosphere exchanges are not without consequences for the climate. The oceans are also the stock giant CO2 its study is crucial at this time of global warming
- Conduct research on the physiology and human psychology in confined and extreme. Future astronauts could stay on board to train before their stay in the cosmos where conditions are similar.
Dimensions
Jacques Rougerie has designed a device to 51 m high with a tip part is (20 m) and another submerged (30 m) to perform underwater observations necessary.
Some technical data
Dimensions
Total length: 31 m
Hull length: 10,35 m
Overall Width: 23.80 m
Width of hull: 6.12 m
Design
Hull Material: Aluminum
Propulsion
Main: adrift in ocean currents
Extra two electric thrusters
Speed: 4 knots (equivalent to 7.4 km / h)
Crew
Capacity: 18 persons including 8 aquanauts saturation.
Modules
The originality of this structure SeaOrbiter lies in the assembly of two modules, one pressurized under the sea level and another pressurized air located outside the water.
For the first time, men and women can stay and watch the continuous silent world oceans. Not so quiet that, since scientists can record the sounds emitted by marine organisms and spread by water.
Current tests conducted in Norway take place without hooked. The vessel fits snugly to his environment and does not move even if the ocean is raging. A perfect symbiosis takes place.
Party emerged
The 20 meters from the camera placed above the water are dedicated to receiving communications and navigation equipment. This module includes atmospheric pressure:
Communication antennas.
A crane.
A bridge located at 13.20 m high to allow a panoramic observation.
The engine room placed 6 meters in height so as to be out of reach of waves.
A dive center with a decompression chamber and diving equipment.
The control center is located 3 m high. He is responsible for the navigation of the ship, its good positioning in the ocean currents and management of potential obstacles.
Reservations and refrigerators are 50 cm above the water.
Submerged
The part under water is fully pressurized, it measures nearly 30 m high and houses:
The captain’s quarters and the four individual VIP booths, but also the media center. Guests can observe the spectacle of magical marine world at 2 m depth.
Under 4.5m of water, the science lab will allow direct analysis of samples and data collected on site. A huge observatory will serve as the census of marine biodiversity. At this level, there will be berths for eight crew members.
Kitchens, food reserves but also the huge panoramic observatory is 7 m deep. They will be the focus of the ship where the crew will meet.
An airlock allows access to the area since the pressurized atmosphere Shed subsea equipment located nearby. The Aquanauts staying in this area under 9.35 m of water.
Berths for aquanauts are just below their home to 11 m deep.
A huge platform includes the stabilization of oil reserves and ballasts.
The ballast helps maintain the structure.
Premiere
Currently, the prototype Sea Orbiter is in testing phase and ongoing validation of operational protocols. The big jump for the scientific platform is expected in 2011. She will do a drift in the Mediterranean, then towards the famous Atlantic current, the Gulf Stream currents and finally the Pacific and Indian Ocean.
For now, the bidding with a budget of 35 million euros have been issued for the construction of SeaOrbiter. This project is supported by the Minister of Ecology Jean-Louis Borloo with the Grenelle of the sea is the flagship of modern technology to the French.