SeaOrbiter

The SeaOrbiter, also known as Sea Orbiter (two words), is an ocean going research vessel. Construction is to begin in late 2013. Similar to a space ship, the SeaOrbiter is planned to allow scientists and others a residential yet mobile research station positioned under the oceans' surface. The station will have laboratories, workshops, living quarters and a pressurized deck to support divers and submarines.

SeaOrbiter is a project of the "Floating oceanographic laboratory" organisation. It is headed by French architect Jacques Rougerie, oceanographer Jacques Piccard and astronaut Jean-Loup Chretien. The cost is expected to be around $52.7 million.

Description
The laboratory is semi-submersible ocean going craft and weighs 1000 tons. It has a total height of 51 meters with 31 meters below sea level.

It is designed to float vertically and drift with the ocean currents but has two small propellers allowing it to modify its trajectory and maneuver in confined waters. Underwater robots can be sent from the laboratory to explore the seabed. The hull is made of an alloy comprising aluminum and magnesium is five times thicker than that of a conventional vessel.

Its vertical alignment in the sea will leave a small part visible above the surface with much larger accommodation and laboratories below the sea's surface. Some levels will have a cabin pressure equal to the external water pressure allowing divers to live for extended periods at depth and make frequent excursions.

Visible part

 * Deck +18.50 - lookout post with a view of 360 °
 * Deck +11.50 - Boats storage
 * Deck +9.40 - Upper deck for sea operations, engines rooms and storage
 * Deck +6.80 - Diving room and scientific wet lab
 * Deck +4.20 - Command bridge
 * Deck +1.60 - Multidisciplinary modular laboratory, medical zone and fitness area

Submerged part

 * Deck -1.00 - Bunks area and Captain's room
 * Deck -3.60 - Bunks area and VIP cabin
 * Deck -6.20 - Communication zone and sanitary area
 * Deck -8.80 - Living quarters in atmospheric pressure
 * Deck -11.60 - Living quarters in pressurized mode, underwater garage and diving zone
 * Deck -13.60 - Technical zone, dive pit and access to sub