SEALAB

SEALAB was a series of underwater habitats developed by the United States Navy in the 1960s to research the feasibility of saturation diving and long-term human habitation under the sea. The program was a pioneer in the field of underwater habitats and deep sea exploration.

History

The SEALAB program was initiated in 1964 with the launch of SEALAB I. The habitat was submerged to a depth of 192 feet off the coast of Bermuda and was inhabited by four divers for 11 days. The experiment was cut short due to an approaching tropical storm.

SEALAB II, launched in 1965, was submerged to a depth of 205 feet off the coast of California. This time, the habitat was inhabited by a team of divers for 15 days. The experiment was deemed a success, and the divers were able to perform various tasks and experiments under the sea.

SEALAB III, launched in 1969, was intended to be submerged to a depth of 600 feet off the coast of California. However, the experiment was plagued with problems and was ultimately cancelled after a diver died during a preliminary dive.

Legacy

Despite the cancellation of SEALAB III, the SEALAB program made significant contributions to the field of underwater exploration. The program's research into saturation diving has been instrumental in the development of commercial diving and offshore oil industry. Furthermore, the SEALAB habitats served as a model for subsequent underwater habitats, such as the Aquarius Reef Base.

See also

• Aquarius Reef Base
• Saturation diving
• Underwater habitat

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SEALAB gallery

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  Sealab 1
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  "Scientists in the Sea" program (cropped to Capt George Bond)
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  SEALAB I is lowered near Argus Island Tower in 1964
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  SEALAB II
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  Tuffy
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  SEALAB III