A Japanese research institution is developing a new manned submersible with can dive to 12,000 metres to study the seafloor, a media report said Wednesday.
The submersible, named Shinkai 12000, is being developed by Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), a national research institute for marine-earth science and technology, Xinhua reported, citing the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.
Japan's current capability rests with Shinkai 6500, which can dive up to 6,500 metres.
In 1991, Shinkai 6500 began its mission to study seafloor topography and geology and research deep-sea organisms in the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, and Indian Ocean as well as the sea around Japan. The total number of dives reached 1,300 in 2012.
The Shinkai 12000 project is scheduled to be completed in the late 2020s.
According to JAMSTEC, the new submersible will offer a comfortable ride for its six-member crew. The craft will be capable of carrying out two-day missions.
The crew compartment of Shinkai 6500 is made of titanium alloy and has only small port holes for on board researchers to observe their surroundings. The crew compartment of Shinkai 12000 will be a two-metre sphere made of toughened glass with a thickness of five to 10 cm to increase visibility.
The craft also has washroom facilities and space to rest.
