Three oceanauts of China’s manned submersible, the Jiaolong, are preparing for their first mission in June in South China Sea, china.org reports.
The mission is expected to begin on June 5, and to last 103 days.
According to the news site, Jiaolong will carry out dives in a cold spring area to conduct biodiversity research, and then a seamount area to collect rock samples for research of the evolution of the sea basin and the magma materials.
The eldest oceanaut Ye Cong said: “China needs to train more pilots and coaches to operate subs. An all-transparent submersible is in the boardroom. Once it is in commercial production, it will help more people realize their dreams of having a deep-sea travel without damaging the marine environment.”
[mappress]
Subsea World News Staff, May 09, 2013