US to build 'submarine space station' by 2026

US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and private company Proteus Ocean Group Deal about the construction of the "underwater space station" Proteus. The project is planned to be completed by 2026.

It will be a round two-story structure with an area of ​​610 square meters. It is planned to be installed at a depth of about 20 meters off the Caribbean island of Curacao. Inside there will be laboratories for research and experiments, a data processing center and residential apartments for staff.

It is also planned to equip the first underwater greenhouse for growing food and a room with modern equipment for streaming, presentations and online media interviews - like on the ISS, but under water.

Proteus will be powered by wind, solar and converted ocean heat. Up to 12 scientists will be able to live at the station. NOAA does not rule out that over time they will open it to ordinary visitors.

The development of the Proteus project first became known back in 2020. At the same time, it was reported that it would be a modern and larger version of Aquarius, a 122 square meter underwater laboratory that was put into operation in 1986. This station is located off the Florida Keys in the southeastern United States.