Technology

The first new subsea habitat in 40 years is about to launch

Source

MIT Technology Review

Published

Nov 7, 2025

TL;DR

AI Generated

A new subsea habitat called Vanguard, unveiled by startup Deep, is set to launch in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, marking the first new subsea habitat in 40 years. This habitat will allow teams of scientists to live and work on the seabed for a week at a time, enabling extended underwater research missions without the need for lengthy decompression stops. Vanguard utilizes advanced technology, including a tethered connection for air and water supply, to support its crew in challenging conditions. Deep plans to use Vanguard to test technologies for a larger, more advanced habitat called Sentinel, with the ultimate goal of establishing permanent underwater communities.

Read Full Article

The Download: a new home under the sea, and cloning pets

A new subsea habitat called Vanguard, resembling an RV, is set to launch in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, becoming the first new subsea habitat in 40 years. Meanwhile, cloning pets, like Tom Brady's dog Junie, is gaining popularity among celebrities, sparking discussions on the potential uses of cloning technologies beyond replicating pets. Additionally, OpenAI is facing legal complaints related to wrongful death and mental health concerns, while Tesla shareholders approved Elon Musk's $1 trillion pay package. The EU is considering watering down the AI act, Meta is combating scam ads, and the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative is shifting focus to AI for disease research.

MIT Technology Review•

6 months ago

China deploys wind-powered underwater data center off Shanghai coast — $226 million project could top 24 megawatts, harnessing the cooling power of the sea

China has launched a groundbreaking wind-powered underwater data center off the coast of Shanghai, claiming it to be the world's first of its kind. The $226 million project, located 35 meters below the surface, aims to be an energy-efficient and land-sparing cloud infrastructure. With a planned capacity of 24 megawatts, the facility utilizes seawater for cooling, achieving a power usage effectiveness below 1.15. While similar to Microsoft's Project Natick, which proved submerged data centers were more reliable, HiCloud faces challenges in serviceability and scalability. The project aims for a near-zero footprint data center powered by offshore wind, but concerns remain about maintenance and hardware upgrades in the underwater environment.

Tom's Hardware•

7 months ago

China to launch commercial underwater data center — facility expected to consume 90% less power for cooling

Highlander, a Chinese company, is constructing a submerged server pod near Shanghai to reduce cooling power consumption by around 90%. The facility is set to be operational commercially, with China Telecom among its initial clients. The project follows Microsoft's underwater data center experiment in Scotland in 2024. Despite concerns about ocean warming due to continuous heat output, Highlander plans to source 95% of its energy from renewable sources and has implemented special measures to protect its systems from saltwater corrosion.

Tom's Hardware•

7 months ago

Can AI detect hedgehogs from space? Maybe if you find brambles first.

Researchers at the University of Cambridge are using satellite imagery and AI models to map potential hedgehog habitats in the UK by first identifying bramble patches, which are the nocturnal creatures' favorite hiding spots. With European hedgehog populations declining, this method offers a more cost-effective way to track them across large areas. The AI model developed by researcher Gabriel Mahler focuses on identifying brambles from satellite data, as these shrubs are crucial for hedgehogs' shelter, nesting, and food sources. By pinpointing these habitats, researchers hope to better understand and protect hedgehog populations.

Ars Technica•

8 months ago