Oceanauts prepare for deep-sea mission
Source: Xinhua |
May 11, 2013, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
THREE Chinese oceanauts are studying geographic and biodiversity data in the South China Sea as they prepare for a deep-sea mission in June.
The deep-sea submersible, Jiao-long, completed a record dive of 7,062 meters in the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench during its trial operation in June 2012, enabling China to conduct deep-sea scientific research and resource exploration in 99.8 percent of the world's oceans.
The crew, aged between 29 and 34, will leave Qingdao, Shandong Province, for the 103-day mission on June 5.
Among the three, only the eldest, Ye Cong, has had overseas training. He took a short course on Alvin, the US manned deep-sea submersible, in 2005.
When he returned to China, Jiaolong could only reach depths 50 meters below the sea's surface.
Ye, who works for China Shipbuilding Industry Corp, was appointed chief designer and tasked with turning Jiaolong into a deep-sea submersible vehicle, and tutoring two university graduates, Tang Jiajun and Fu Wentao, as his copilots.
Tang, the youngest of the trio, was enrolled in 2007. He said in addition to taking courses on how to operate the sub, he and Fu were required to help with Jiaolong's frame assembling and hydraulic system to become better acquainted with the vessel.
Tang said "capable of reaching the moon and catching turtles deep in the ocean" were two dreams envisioned by late Chairman Mao Zedong.
"I feel that we are among those who are the closest to these dreams," he said.
Tang said the mission involves dives in a cold spring area to conduct biodiversity research, and exploration of a seamount area to collect rock samples to learn more about the evolution of the sea basin.
"Most of the dives will be between 3,000 and 5,000 meters deep. There is no intention to achieve new records on this mission," Tang said.
He said Jiaolong was built for research. Its main purpose is to collect mineral and biological samples while also taking videos and pictures of the deep-sea.
Ye said Jiaolong is currently China's only manned deep-sea sub. More vessels will be built as the country builds up its marine economy.
"China needs to train more pilots and coaches to operate subs," Ye said. "A transparent submersible is being designed. Once it is in commercial production, more people will be able to experience the deep-sea without damaging the marine environment."
The deep-sea submersible, Jiao-long, completed a record dive of 7,062 meters in the Pacific Ocean's Mariana Trench during its trial operation in June 2012, enabling China to conduct deep-sea scientific research and resource exploration in 99.8 percent of the world's oceans.
The crew, aged between 29 and 34, will leave Qingdao, Shandong Province, for the 103-day mission on June 5.
Among the three, only the eldest, Ye Cong, has had overseas training. He took a short course on Alvin, the US manned deep-sea submersible, in 2005.
When he returned to China, Jiaolong could only reach depths 50 meters below the sea's surface.
Ye, who works for China Shipbuilding Industry Corp, was appointed chief designer and tasked with turning Jiaolong into a deep-sea submersible vehicle, and tutoring two university graduates, Tang Jiajun and Fu Wentao, as his copilots.
Tang, the youngest of the trio, was enrolled in 2007. He said in addition to taking courses on how to operate the sub, he and Fu were required to help with Jiaolong's frame assembling and hydraulic system to become better acquainted with the vessel.
Tang said "capable of reaching the moon and catching turtles deep in the ocean" were two dreams envisioned by late Chairman Mao Zedong.
"I feel that we are among those who are the closest to these dreams," he said.
Tang said the mission involves dives in a cold spring area to conduct biodiversity research, and exploration of a seamount area to collect rock samples to learn more about the evolution of the sea basin.
"Most of the dives will be between 3,000 and 5,000 meters deep. There is no intention to achieve new records on this mission," Tang said.
He said Jiaolong was built for research. Its main purpose is to collect mineral and biological samples while also taking videos and pictures of the deep-sea.
Ye said Jiaolong is currently China's only manned deep-sea sub. More vessels will be built as the country builds up its marine economy.
"China needs to train more pilots and coaches to operate subs," Ye said. "A transparent submersible is being designed. Once it is in commercial production, more people will be able to experience the deep-sea without damaging the marine environment."
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