In a significant milestone for global marine science, the scientific research ship Tansuo-1 recently returned to Guangzhou on the Chinese mainland. The vessel concluded a grueling yet successful 156-day voyage that spanned more than 40,000 kilometers—a distance roughly equivalent to circling the Earth's equator.
The expedition was centered around the advanced capabilities of the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver). During the journey, the submersible completed 63 dives, with 50 of those reaching depths exceeding 6,000 meters. This feat underscores the growing technical prowess in exploring the planet's most inaccessible regions.
A primary highlight of the mission was the first-ever joint crewed exploration of the Atacama Trench by China and Chile. This collaboration represents a growing trend of international scientific partnerships aimed at unlocking the mysteries of the deep ocean.
The expedition was a truly global effort, bringing together scientists from six countries: China, Chile, Germany, Denmark, Canada, and Spain. Together, the team collected rare biological and geological samples and captured stunning high-definition footage from the abyss, providing invaluable data for researchers worldwide.
As the Tansuo-1 returns to port, the data and samples gathered are expected to offer new insights into ocean floor topography and deep-sea biodiversity, further cementing the region's influential role in leading high-tech marine exploration.
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40,000 km voyage, 63 deep-sea dives: China's research ship returns home
cgtn.com
