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