We normally think of glass as a brittle, fragile substance. But in deep sea conditions, it undergoes molecular changes that make it the perfect material for ocean exploration – better than steel or titanium. “For science it’s a phenomenal solution,” says Tony Lawson, Earle’s engineering director at Deep Ocean and Exploration Research Marine. Even so, manufacturing such a large glass orb will present some unique challenges and dangers.

The project will be the culmination of Earle’s distinguished career as one of the world’s leading marine biologists. She won’t be the first to reach those depths: the Trieste sub carried a team of two in 1960; more recently, James Cameron filmed the bottom of the ocean for his Deepsea Challenge 3D film. But if she succeeds, she will be the first to do so while protected by a glass shell.

‘Pilot and scientist’



The US Navy had, in fact, first looked into the idea of a glass submersible in the 60s – but it turned out not to be suited to some of their demands. “Glass doesn’t like explosions – end of story,” says Lawson. Although glass subs do sometimes carry scientific equipment to such depths, they haven’t been used for manned missions. Yet the other alternatives – such as cameras placed on the outside of a sub, just wouldn’t have given Earle the freedom she wants. “You might as well be operating them on the surface,” she says.

In some ways, her attitude harks back to the scientist-explorers of old, who had a hand in every part of their mission. “I want to be there with every fibre of my sensory system on full alert. That’s what it’s like to be in a submarine, especially a submarine that you’re driving yourself – I love the idea of being a pilot and a scientist enjoying all the wonderful benefits of the engineering skills that have gone into providing access to the sea.”