The pool will allow for space training and simulating extreme environments

NASA has backed a proposal to build the world’s ‘deepest pool’ in order to carry out space training and research. The Glenn research centre has signed a Space Act Agreement with Blue Abyss. They are a pioneering organisation dedicated to enabling humanity to operate in extreme environments, from subsea to space.

Blue Abyss has applied for planning permission to build a 50m pool, which will be a staggering 164ft deep. It is proposed to be built on a 10-acre site at the Aerohub Enterprise Zone at Cornwall Airport, Newquay. The organisation aims to create an indoor pool with several entrance points and multi-stepped depths to accommodate multiple different uses. This would make it the largest and deepest pool in the world, according to Blue Abyss.

A Blue Abyss spokesperson said the signing of the Space Act Agreement marked an “important step in the future of commercial space training and research.” They added “Nasa and Blue Abyss will collaborate to explore innovative solutions for training and conducting research that addresses challenges in low Earth orbit, cis-lunar, lunar and Martian environments.”

The agreement between Blue Abyss and NASA’s Glenn Research Center will aim to accelerate advancements in commercial space training, research, and infrastructure development. Under the non-reimbursable agreement, Blue Abyss and NASA will work together to explore several crucial areas, including selection and training, human performance research which entails studying the effects of extreme gravity conditions on humans and infrastructure development.

The pool will also allow for training and simulating extreme environments, such as conditions on board the International Space Station (ISS). John Vickers, the CEO of Blue Abyss, said: “As we develop next-generation infrastructure, including our proposed facilities in the US and UK, it helps develop the international space sector, supporting industry growth, training, and infrastructure development that will support international clients and foster innovation.”

Plans for the £150m pool were and it was estimated at the time that it would create up to 160 jobs and generate £8million annually for the local economy. As Blue Abyss moves forward with its ambitious plans, they say: “this partnership with NASA serves as a testament to the organization’s vision.”