The world is set to get a brand new state-of-the-art facility in which to train astronauts, research new technology, and test subsea robotics. That facility will also be classed as the world’s biggest and deepest indoor pool upon completion in 2023.
It’s called Blue Abyss, and the $210 million facility will be located in the Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Cornwall Airport Newquay in the UK. The pool is 164 feet deep and holds the equivalent of 17 Olympic swimming pools (roughly 11.2 million gallons) of water. Large objects will be able to enter the pool thanks to a sliding roof, which means new sections of the International Space Station could be tested there before heading into space.
Although Blue Abyss will benefit a number of industries, there’s a key focus on offering training for astronauts and British astronaut Major Tim Peake is on board as an advisor. An astronaut training center, hypobaric and hyperbaric chambers, and microgravity suite are planned for construction alongside the pool, as well as a more general training center with six classrooms, workshops, catering, and accommodation facilities.
John Vickers, Chief Executive of Blue Abyss, said, “Blue Abyss will be a huge research asset for aerospace, offshore energy, underwater robotics, human physiology, defense, leisure and marine industries, and a fantastic education center for children and university students.” It’s also set to offer a major boost to the local economy as well as creating 160 new jobs.
Right now, Blue Abyss is awaiting planning permission to build the facility and negotiating to acquire the necessary land on which to build. Assuming both are successful, the project is expected to take 18 months to complete, allowing it to begin research projects and training programs before the end of 2023.
