Mission Summary:
The objective
of the Atlantis II mission is to establish a habitat in which long
term research and experimentation can be performed in a deep sea
environment.
Camrbidge, MA-
Located in the Edmond Vent system, the Atlantis II habitat will
enable scientists to perform closer, more extended experiments and
research upon the geothermal environment of the vent system. The
Edmond Vent system is 5000 m deep, located in the middle of the
Indian ocean. It is known for extensive vent activity.
Some 24 "aquanauts" will live at the Atlantis II site
for six month shifts. The habitat is torus shaped, designed to hold
16-24 people. It shall be placed about a mile away from the vent
system, tethered to the bottom of the ocean. Institutions and researchers
across the world will have access to Atlantis II's resources. The
aquanauts will be connected to the surface via webcam, daily postings,
and use of the internet.
At the disposal of the Atlantis II researchers are a fleet of unmanned
robotic vehicles as well as a variety of manned exploratory vehicles.
State-of-the-art equipment costing (fill in the cost) will grace
the laboratories for the brand new Atlantis II habitat. Atlantis
II researchers will have access to a top-of-the-line communication
anfd network system; their access to the surface will be granted
via a secured cable. The system is designed to be as cohesive and
allowing as possible for the hostile deep sea environment.
In their new laboratories, Atlantis II researchers will be performing
the initial experiments planned for the habitat include investigation
of the vent system biology and geomorphism. Many more possibilities
are open for the future.
The debut of the Atlantis II habitat will bring together a unique
blend of scientists, scholars, investors, and managers. This mission
is supported by a consortium of corporate sponsors, including:
For additional
information, please contact :
vent9@mit.edu
|