Images: Floating lab to monitor oceans

The Sea Orbiter is expected to follow the currents and keep tabs on sea life and climates.

May 27, 2005 8:08 a.m. PT

Floating lab to monitor oceans

The planned SeaOrbiter, shown here in a computer-generated image, is intended to be a research lab that will observe ocean life and the interaction between ocean and atmosphere. It will be driven by currents and have a life expectancy of 15 years, according to its backers.

Credit: SIPA

Floating lab to monitor oceans

The SeaOrbiter was designed by French marine architect Jacques Rougerie, standing here with a scale model of the floating lab.

Credit: Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images