China’s scientific prowess just took a deep dive—literally! The Meng Xiang, the nation’s first domestically built deep-ocean drilling vessel, officially set sail on November 17 in Guangzhou. With a jaw-dropping drilling capacity of 11 kilometers (that’s deeper than Mount Everest is tall!
), this floating lab is poised to unlock secrets of the ocean floor.
Stretching nearly 180 meters long and weighing over 42,000 tonnes, the Meng Xiang is like the Avengers’ helicarrier of marine research. It can sail 15,000 nautical miles, host 180 crew members, and operate autonomously for 120 days—perfect for tackling climate mysteries or exploring underwater ecosystems.
Scientists are hyped: this vessel could revolutionize our understanding of Earth’s geology, marine biodiversity, and even sustainable energy resources. For young explorers and eco-warriors, it’s a giant leap toward a greener, smarter future.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com