LONDON: Ever wondered what an outer space swimming pool would look like? If you were, then good news – because plans are already in progress to make this dream happen.
The University of Essex has begun initial discussions to build the research, training and development pool in Colchester and aims to work with local group Blue Abyss.
The pool, which would be the world’s largest at 50 metres long and 50 metres deep, would be the UK and Europe’s leading marine and space research facility.
The project, which could cost £40 million, would simulate outer space and deep sea environments which could be used in space-flight programmes.
The university’s registrar Bryn Morris said: “This is a very exciting proposal for us, with many elements that fit very well with our strengths as a university.”
He said the university had already carried out work with robotic fish and had specialisms, including marine conservation, which could complement the project.
The project has been given a seal of approval from Tim Peake, the next European Space Agency astronaut. “I support Blue Abyss and see this future facility as something that does not yet exist in Europe and that would compete with, or potentially even surpass, what is available in the United States and Russia,” he said.
“In my view this will be an outstanding European facility.”
