Ocean World Away Teams: Alan Stern Announces Call for Mission Specialists for 2023 Titanic Expedition
Earth’s oceans remain the least explored and understood, yet most impactful ecosystems on the planet. With a longitudinal study of the Titanic, OceanGate Expeditions is working to change that.
Planetary scientist Dr. Alan Stern joined OceanGate Expeditions’ 2022 Titanic Expedition as a Mission Specialist. Dr. Stern brought a unique set of qualifications to the Mission Specialist role: he has led NASA’s New Horizons mission to Pluto and the Kuiper Belt since its inception in 2001 and is scheduled to participate in a 2023 Virgin Galactic suborbital research mission. He is currently Chief Exploration Officer at World View and Associate Vice President, Space Sector at the Southwest Research Institute. Dr. Stern shared his perspectives on the parallels between exploration in space and our deep oceans after his experience diving to the Titanic with OceanGate Expeditions.
“Fewer people have been to the Titanic than to space. It is both an archaeological expedition and a scientific one. The experience included the emotional highs of exploration and deep reflection as we remembered those lost on that cold, unforgiving night in April 1912. From fascination with OceanGate, Inc.’s amazing Titan submersible technology and the operational prowess of the OceanGate Expeditions crew, to sublime feelings of a lifetime accomplishment that, until a few months ago, I never considered possible,” said Dr. Stern in summarizing his 2022 Titanic diving experience.
“Being one of fewer than 250 people to come face-to-viewport with Titanic and the amazing biodiverse marine ecosystem that has now formed out of that tragedy is something I will always remember. I wasn’t just a passenger on the dive, either. As a Mission Specialist, I supported the study of the Titanic by collecting water column samples, communicating with the surface team throughout the dive, and filming the wreck and surrounding marine life. I even piloted the sub. I am still in awe of the experience. What a special opportunity it was, and one I hope to carry forward to show others what humans can do when they dream big and strive to accomplish those dreams. As a result of new private sector entrants like OceanGate Expeditions, we are now witnessing the very earliest days of what is likely to become an unparalleled era of exploration by humans, across the deep ocean, just like in space,” says Dr. Stern.
“What’s more, we have discovered that oceans of water are common in our solar system. I’m completely convinced that there will be a day when there are ocean explorers of celestial bodies like Europa, Triton, Titan, Enceladus, Pluto; after all, from what we know, all those ocean worlds out there that are begging for this type of advanced submersible technology,” continues Dr. Stern.
OceanGate Expeditions’ longitudinal study of the Titanic and surrounding areas will continue in 2023 with the support of citizen explorers who serve as Mission Specialists. Aspiring Mission Specialists interested in supporting the 2023 Titanic Expedition should contact OceanGate Expeditions for qualifications, availability, and additional details. Visit https://oceangateexpeditions.com/tour/titanic-expedition/ to learn more.
OceanGate Expeditions also recently announced the coffee table book, “Titanic Expedition: A Crewed Submersible Expedition to Explore the World’s Most Famous Shipwreck.” The limited release photographic account of the 2021 Titanic Expedition, with exclusive bonus photographs from the 2022 Titanic Expedition, is authenticated with a numbered holographic emblem and comes signed by OceanGate Expeditions chief submersible pilot, Stockton Rush, and 38 time Titanic diver and Titanic expert, PH Nargeolet. To learn how to purchase from only 324 limited edition books visit https://oceangateexpeditions.com/shop/2021titanicphotobook/.
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ABOUT OCEANGATE EXPEDITIONS
OceanGate Expeditions Ltd., is dedicated to direct human exploration of the undersea world. Not satisfied with scratching the surface of the ocean near the shoreline, OceanGate Expeditions charters manned submersibles to create expeditions at depths far deeper than can be reached with SCUBA. The organization conducts undersea expeditions to explore and document the 95% of the seafloor that man has never visited including iconic shipwrecks, hydrothermal vents, deep-sea canyons, and uncommon biological events around the world. These expeditions, to depths approaching 4,000 meters (13,123 feet), provide rare opportunities for citizen scientists to observe the mysteries of the deep sea and expand our understanding of our home, Earth, the blue planet. Visit http://www.oceangateexpeditions.com.
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ABOUT OCEANGATE FOUNDATION
OceanGate Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) organization that advances understanding of the ocean by providing grants in support of scientific and archaeological marine research, with an emphasis on innovative technologies such as human-occupied submersibles; and supporting efforts to engage and inspire explorers, researchers, civic leaders, and others in the public who share an interest in understanding the ocean. The foundation is the primary philanthropic partner of OceanGate Expeditions. Visit http://www.oceangatefoundation.org.
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