Deeper access, deeper understanding
THE PROBLEMIt is a recurring question whether some fluctuations in our environment are caused by man or if they have natural, but perhaps yet undocumented, causes. We believe that the ability to make a distinction between the two is valuable for the understanding as well as the change of our environment – in particular with a strategic perspective. However, as Earth has been thoroughly and comprehensively explored and exploited for hundreds of years, it is difficult to find untouched, yet accessible, places. Among such places with a potential to teach us a lot about the environment, are subglacial lakes and narrow, water-filled cave systems.HOW CAN THE PROJECT CONTRIBUTE TO A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM?We trust a radically miniaturized submersible equipped with a wide range of scientific instruments, tools facilitating partial autonomy, and a broadband link for communication with a remote operator, will make these places accessible. The realization of a vehicle about one thousandth the size of a conventional submersible, puts challenging demands on miniaturization and integration of the components. This is what the project is about.WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE RESULTS?Primarily, the craft will be used by scientists with various interests in nature. To prepare for this, the project has been formulated in collaboration with, for instance, geologists, polar scientists, and marine biologists. Hopefully, the findings of these will benefit the society at large, including environmental organizations, politicians, and business.
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