In 1971, the former Russian Soviet Union launched its first space station, Salyut 1, which was 175 days in orbit. From then on, the career in the space sector has grown tirelessly. In contrast we have the oceanic fund that around 80% is without mapping or exploring, according to the Oceanic and Atmospheric National Administration (NOAA). In addition, in different studies with monitors, key minerals have been found for current technology and China has gotten to work.
Short. China has started the construction of an underwater laboratory at 2,000 meters deep in the Meriodional China Sea. The project developed in the deep waters of Guangzhou has been described as an “underwater space station”, where six scientists will be for more than a month to study the marine ecosystem, according to Chinadily.
The underwater base. As explained in the same medium, researchers will aim to study the ecosystems of cold leaks, a natural phenomenon that contains high amounts of methane hydrate. This gas is considered a less polluting alternative to traditional fossil fuels, but its extraction to great depths is a complex risk. On the other hand, the laboratory will also seek to explore minerals such as cobalt, nickel and rare earths, important elements for the technological and energy industry.
Dangerous extraction. The deposits in the seabed, especially those at extreme depths, can cause irreparable damage to marine ecosystems. In fact, the international authority of the seabed has not established a regulation that determines how to carry out the activity, although studies are still being carried out. Currently, the ISA is holding meetings for the regulation of the removal of the seabed, while environmental organizations are claiming ocean protection above commercial interests.
Is there a place for everyone? The Research Center will be open to international collaborations and is aligned with the United Nations decade for the restoration of ecosystems, according to Global Times. However, this initiative will intensify disputes in the South China Sea. All this is because the Asian giant has claimed sovereignty over a large part of the area, which has led to tensions with neighboring countries that also wish to exploit their resources. In addition, according to the confidential, critics to the Chinese government have warned the risk of this underwater base that could serve as justification for an increase in Chinese military presence.
The submarine laboratory. According to El Confidencial, the station will be connected to a fiber optic network in the seabed and will support pressures 200 times higher than the sea level. Scientists will spend between a month and 45 days underwater, without natural light. In addition, the base will feature advanced submersibles, surface ships and equipment to perform four -dimensional monitoring of the region. In addition, the initial phase will focus on the construction of pressure resistant structures and simulation systems.
Surpassing AI and autonomous vehicles. The station, as detailed in SCMP, will allow scientists to perform real -time experiments under extreme conditions, which is currently not possible to arrive with artificial intelligence or autonomous vehicles. As the project director, Chaolun Li has explained for Global Times, the initiative will contribute to the ecological and experimental monitoring in situ, moving human knowledge in these extreme environments.
Imagen | Proteus Ocean Group
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