It’s no secret that we love a good mountain shelter. We only just started getting over these turtle-shelled hiking outposts in Hammerfell, Norway.
But the warmth, safety and respite that a mountain shelter provides for explorers has never had a counterpart under the sea. SCUBA divers can’t recharge with hot chocolate and a good view. There’s only so much time before the oxygen runs out and decompression sickness (also known as “the bends”) kicks in.
That is, until now. National Geographic explorer Michael Lombardi and NYU professor Winslow Burleson have patented an underwater “camper” of sorts called Ocean Space Habitat, which divers can bring along as a basecamp during their ocean floor explorations.
How does it work? The habitat is shaped sort of like a shark cage, but with an pressurized, tent-like exterior. Constructed from embedded vinyl and stainless steel, the structure inflates up to the size of a space pod and can be towed by a diver to a welcome depth before being anchored to the ocean floor. It’s portable (packs down to the size of a backpack, checkable as luggage on an airplane) and easily mauevered underwater. The interior is a bit cramped, but it offers sufficient space for divers to swim up into its dry area and eat, detail scientific findings, conserve air or even sleep.
Who would use this? Scientists, as mentioned. The implications for the field are significant. There are discoveries to be made 400 feet beneath the ocean’s surface, but the natural limits of human lungs often stand in the way. All those oceanagrophers and marine biologists would also share this invention with underwater photographers, commercial researchers … and tourists. Yep. Once the technology’s firmly there (and it’s close, another successful test was conducted in Rhode Island late last year) experienced divers could conceivably use the Ocean Habitat to spend a night at the bottom of the sea. Remember that old elementary school stat? 70% of the world’s surface is ocean. There really is an entire world down there, one that changes and rolls out different forms of marine life by night. The opportunity to experience that shift, in minute detail, could be on the way.
For more information on the project, head here.
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