The Altantis II Project Press Section
For General Release
11/22/01
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.
Cambridge, 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, and is known for extensive vent activity.
Some 24 "aquanauts" - the crew of scientists working in the laboratories - 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 webcams, daily postings/electronic mail, 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 operating with sonar and inertial navigational systems. State-of-the-art equipment costing more than 100,000,000$ will grace the relatively expansive laboratories for the brand new Atlantis II habitat. Atlantis II researchers will have access to a top-of-the-line communication and 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 :
Atlantis2@mit.edu
©2001 Altantis II Project