China is developing an underwater space station more than 2,000 meters deep

In 1971, the former Russian Soviet Union launched its first space station, Slayut 1which 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 (NOA). In addition, in different studies with monitors, key minerals have been found for current technology and China He has got 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 have explained in the same mediumResearchers will aim to study cold leak ecosystems, 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, ISA He is holding meetings For the regulation of seabed extraction, while environmental organizations They are claiming a protection of oceans 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. Besides, According to El Confidencialcritics of the Chinese government have alerted the risk of this underwater base that could serve as justification for an increase in Chinese military presence.

The submarine laboratory. According to El Confidencialthe 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 have detailed in SCMPIt 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 has explained for Global Times The project director, Chaolun Li, the initiative will contribute to the ecological and experimental monitoring in situ, advancing human knowledge in these extreme environments.

Image | Proteus Ocean Group

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