Chinese submersible undergoes 'body check'
Updated: 2013-07-21 17:32
(Xinhua)
|
|||||||||||
ABOARD XIANGYANGHONG - The Jiaolong, a Chinese submersible on a two-month scientific exploration in the Pacific Ocean aboard its mother ship, the Xiangyanghong-09, underwent a full-body performance test and maintenance on Sunday.
Tests have shown that all the parts of the Jiaolong, the country's most advanced manned submersible, which achieved a dive depth record of more than 7,000 meters, is now in excellent condition, said Hu Zhen, deputy field commander for the research voyage.
This is the first comprehensive "body check" for the Jiaolong since the submersible successfully concluded an initial month-long experimental application diving mission in the South China Sea on July 10, which brought the first scientists below the sea to collect samples.
Aboard the Xiangyanghong-09, the Jiaolong departed from the southeast port city of Xiamen on Friday. In early August, it is scheduled to arrive at a northeast Pacific seabed polymetallic nodule ore zone. Explorations of this zone have been contracted to China.
The Jiaolong will undergo at least two more full-body checks before arriving at the target operation site on August 6, a date that is foreseeable if weather is good, according to crew members.
In late August, the submersible is scheduled to arrive at a cobalt-rich ferromanganese crust ore in the western Pacific Ocean to conduct surveys, a plan approved by the International Seabed Authority on Friday.
Related Stories
Jiaolong begins 2-month exploration in Pacific 2013-07-19 16:40
Jiaolong discovers iron-manganese deposits 2013-07-04 14:35
Jiaolong halts exploration as storm comes 2013-06-30 14:47
South China Sea seamount named after Jiaolong 2013-06-27 05:05
Jiaolong may be used for commercial activities 2013-06-24 21:39
Today's Top News
China moves to address drinking water woes
Divided Belgium to swear in new king
China sends strong signal of "deep-water" reform
Property lending accelerates in H1
Guizhou aims to become "Switzerland in the East"
China commits to building eco-civilization: Xi
Man hurt in blast at Beijing airport
New H7N9 patient in critial condition in Beijing
Hot Topics
Lunar probe , China growth forecasts, Emission rules get tougher, China seen through 'colored lens', International board,
Editor's Picks
Party seeks to boost ties with the public |
Conundrum over sexual bribery |
Bar street heaven for expats, hell for locals |
Chinese Haute Couture |
Railway cities staying on track |
More concerns over camps |