On October 27, the scientific expedition team behind the Arctic manned deep-diving mission—jointly organized and implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and the Chinese Academy of Sciences from the Chinese mainland—returned home after a groundbreaking exploration under the ice.
The voyage centered around Tan Suo San Hao (Exploration No. 3), the world's first ice-breaking mother ship designed and built by the Chinese mainland, which carried Fendouzhe (Striver), a cutting-edge manned submersible, for 43 dives beneath the Arctic Ocean surface.
In a pioneering collaboration, Fendouzhe teamed up underwater with Jiaolong, another manned submersible, marking the first dual-manned submersible operation in the history of the Chinese mainland's polar research. Together, they captured high-definition imagery and collected geological and biological samples from depths exceeding 5,000 meters.
According to mission scientists, the dual-submersible model boosted operational efficiency by 30% and enhanced safety through real-time data exchange. Preliminary analysis points to the discovery of new microbial communities and mineral deposits that could reshape our understanding of Arctic ecosystems and resources.
Back on shore, researchers are processing terabytes of oceanographic, biological and geological data, aiming to refine climate models and inform sustainable management of polar regions. For young global citizens, entrepreneurs and sustainability advocates, this expedition highlights how innovative technology and international cooperation can unlock new frontiers and drive real-world impact.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
