Jiaolong to return to Mariana Trench on new mothership

Jiaolong, China's manned submersible, is lowered for a dive on June 13, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]

In July, Shenhai Yihao (Deep Sea No.1), the new mothership for deep-sea manned submersible Jiaolong, is expected to carry out research on the scientific application and performance optimization of Jiaolong, and conduct an adaptive sea trial with the upgraded submersible in the Mariana Trench for about 40 days, said Ding Zhongjun, the deputy chief engineer of the National Deep Sea Center, on Thursday.

It is expected to dive to a depth of 7,000 meters, with about 10 dives.

After the completion of the adaptive sea trial, Deep Sea No.1 will carry the submersible to the Mariana basin in the western Pacific Ocean for the 56th oceanic expedition.

After a year of overhaul and technical upgrading, the submersible has completed the final assembly and has some new features.

The effective operating radius of the mechanical arm has been improved by nearly 30 centimeters, and the sampling capability has been enhanced.

Moreover, the accuracy of the upgraded control system and the target collection efficiency have been improved.