A New Era of Underwater Exploration
In a bold move that could redefine human interaction with the ocean, DEEP, an oceanic exploration and technology company, is working toward a groundbreaking goal: enabling humans to live on the sea floor as early as 2027. This ambitious vision centers around the development of Sentinel, an underwater habitat designed to allow researchers to reside at a depth of 200 meters (approximately 656 feet) for extended periods of up to 28 days.
According to reports, Sentinel would provide scientists with unprecedented access to the epipelagic zone, also known as the “sunlight” zone. This area, where sunlight penetrates the deepest into the ocean, is home to 90% of marine life. The significance of this region lies not only in its biodiversity but also in its role as the primary zone where the planet’s heat is absorbed and transferred. As Sean Wolpert, president of Americas for DEEP, explained, “Everything below that is twilight and a bit difficult.”
Wolpert emphasized the importance of understanding the oceans, stating, “Out of sight and out of mind — not having a better understanding of the oceans is no longer an option.” He added that DEEP is emerging from stealth mode to invite others to join this mission. Discussions are already underway with potential international partners who share a long-term vision for the planet’s future. These partners recognize the immense benefits that come with preserving and managing the oceans.
The timeline for the project is tight. Wolpert mentioned that the goal is to begin deep-sea trials by the end of 2026. “The time frame is to get approvals this year and then to begin melting metal by the end of this year,” he said in February 2024. The first deployment of Sentinel will take place in a large limestone quarry filled with water in the west of England.
This initiative is part of a broader trend in exploring environments that are not naturally suited for human habitation. While DEEP focuses on the ocean, other companies are looking to the stars. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has not slowed his ambitions to colonize Mars. According to the SpaceX website, Musk plans to land unmanned Starships on the red planet by 2026 to collect data.
In May, Musk addressed an audience in Starbase, Texas, saying, “The next Mars opportunity is at the end of next year in about 18 months.” He noted that there is currently a 50-50 chance of success due to the need to figure out orbital refilling. If this challenge is overcome, the first uncrewed Starship will be launched to Mars at the end of next year.
These developments highlight a growing interest in expanding human presence beyond traditional boundaries. Whether it’s the depths of the ocean or the vastness of space, the drive to explore and understand our world continues to push the limits of what is possible. As these projects progress, they may offer new insights into the natural world and open up exciting opportunities for scientific research and discovery.