Image source: National Geographic

BY GINA COOK

ANCHOR EMILY SPAIN


James Cameron’s films Titanic and Abyss were a splash on the big screen.  Now the director plans to make a big splash himself by taking what he hopes will be a record-breaking submarine dive into the deepest part of the western Pacific Ocean.
Here’s a glimpse into the adventure from National Geographic …

Screen reads: “8 years in the making and he’s doing the dive alone”
Cameron: “It’s a one man crew so any problems that come up during the dive I’m going to have to solve them myself.”


The name of the submersible --Deepsea Challenger-- is a play on the name of the deepest spot of the Mariana Trench--the Challenger Deep--where the joint mission involving Cameron, National Geographic and Rolex will take place.   


The New York Times says Cameron’s miniature submarine--which was secretly built in Australia--is a major feat.


“As with the birth of the private space rocket industry, where commercial companies are building ships to take astronauts aloft, the debut of Mr. Cameron’s submarine signals the rising importance of entrepreneurs in the global race to advance science and technology.”


But Collider says that Cameron might need to be crossing off other things on his to-do list.


“When you’re James Cameron, you get to do pretty much whatever you want. That’s why instead of working away like a madman on Avatar 2 and 3 in order to meet a studio deadline, Cameron is out doing fun, hobby stuff like trying to reach the ocean’s deepest point; you know, for giggles.”


Of course Cameron’s mission seven miles down wouldn’t be complete without filming something.  National Geographic says he’ll be at the bottom of the ocean getting high-definition 3D video for 6 hours.


Extreme Tech explains the different options the director has to insure getting quality video of the deep unknown.


“Several different designs are available for deep sea cameras built into small high-tech “bottles” which protect them from the pressure ... It is highly unlikely that Cameron will be satisfied with any of the existing offerings, though, so expect for him to innovate with a 3D camera that provides an IMAX-like video experience, all beamed up for the first time from the ultra-deep.”


But Spectrum says Cameron may have some competition.  Thrill-seeker and founder of Virgin Group Richard Branson is also trying to make it to the bottom of the ocean.


“From a technology perspective, it's interesting to review the differences in the designs of the two teams' submersibles. The Virgin Oceanic sub looks like a stubby-winged plane, and will use hydrodynamic forces to pull it down through the water (the same way aerodynamic forces pull an airplane up).”


Branson’s expedition will likely take place later this year.  Cameron is planning to take the plunge by the end of the month.