How Scientists Upgraded Alvin Into a Superpowered Sub

Bryan Christie Design

Deep-sea explorers and scientists have long relied on the Alvin submersible, based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, to visit the abyssal depths. But after 50 years of diving everywhere from hydrothermal vents to the wreckage of the Titanic, it was ready for a makeover. Three years and $41 million later, Alvin is back in the water, with upgrades to propulsion, sensors, and all the gadgets scientists will need for the next five decades of discovery.

1. Video System During one of Alvin's first return missions, its five new HD cameras and high-intensity LEDs captured a tiny ice worm grazing on a chunk of frozen methane hydrate.

2. Viewports The old Alvin had 5-inch viewports—they could endure deep-sea pressure, but it was hard for scientists to see. Engineers doubled the area of its three forward-looking windows for a better view.

3. Sample Basket Scientists need to transport seafloor samples to onshore labs for analysis. Alvin's new basket features twice the capacity (400 pounds) to haul heavy gets.

4. Personnel Sphere The new 11,000-pound titanium alloy sphere can withstand pressures down to 20,000 feet (6,500 feet deeper than before)—putting 98 percent of the seafloor within reach.

5. Control System Alvin's pilots used to struggle with manual controls in strong currents. Now computerized thrusters and steering systems maintain the sub's position automatically.