Mission to the deep ocean

Mission to the deep ocean

Wanted: two experienced marine scientists for a ninety-day voyage into the deep Pacific. Applicants must be physically and emotionally robust. This will be the profile of the very first abyssal explorers if oceanographer Lena Ortiz’s detailed plans to launch a deep-sea submersible next spring actually (9) ________ to fruition. The vessel will take the crew about eleven kilometres below sea level. The submersible will use adjustable ballast tanks to let it return safely to the surface without wasting any additional power, for power efficiency is a priority. The spring deadline has been fixed (10) ________ the next weather window when ocean conditions become completely calm isn’t (11) ________ autumn. It is a (12) ________ order, but the race is on to develop systems involving totally new technologies. (13) ________ that these can be put in place soon enough, the submersible might just (14) ________ it. But even if it (15) ________ leaves port, the efforts to achieve these ambitious goals will not be in (16) ________, as they will lead to valuable advances for future expeditions.