Research on key technologies for manned submersible operations in polar environments

Liu Yixu; Xu Xuewei; Zhao Shengya; Fu Wentao; Huang Xiaoxia; Qi Haibin; Li Dewei; Cheng Fei; Sun Yongfu

doi:10.12284/hyxb20260020

Volume 48 Issue 2

Feb. 2026

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Liu Yixu，Xu Xuewei，Zhao Shengya, et al. Research on key technologies for manned submersible operations in polar environments[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(2)：1–10 doi: 10.12284/hyxb20260020

Citation:

Liu Yixu，Xu Xuewei，Zhao Shengya, et al. Research on key technologies for manned submersible operations in polar environments[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(2)：1–10 doi: 10.12284/hyxb20260020

Citation:

Liu Yixu，Xu Xuewei，Zhao Shengya, et al. Research on key technologies for manned submersible operations in polar environments[J]. Haiyang Xuebao，2026, 48(2)：1–10 doi: 10.12284/hyxb20260020

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Research on key technologies for manned submersible operations in polar environments

doi: 10.12284/hyxb20260020

Liu Yixu^1
,,
Xu Xuewei¹,
Zhao Shengya^{1, 2},
Fu Wentao¹,
Huang Xiaoxia³,
Qi Haibin^{1, 4},
Li Dewei¹,
Cheng Fei⁵,
Sun Yongfu^{1
,
,}

1.
National Deep Sea Center, Qingdao 266237, China
2.
Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150006, China
3.
Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Sanya 572000, China
4.
Ocean University of China, Qingdao 266100, China
5.
China Ship Scientific Research Center, Wuxi 214082, China

Received Date: 2026-02-10
Rev Recd Date: 2026-04-09
Publish Date: 2026-02-28

Abstract

Abstract

In 2025, China’s manned submersible, the Jiaolong, successfully completed its first manned deep-sea dive in the ice-covered waters of the Arctic, marking a pivotal first step in advancing China’s deep-sea exploration from ‘full ocean depth’ to ‘all ocean regions’. The expedition faced numerous challenges, including extremely low temperatures, shifting sea ice, geomagnetic anomalies and intricate underwater acoustic conditions. We made systematic adaptations to the Jiaolong submersible, achieving key technological breakthroughs in deployment and recovery, under-ice ascent guidance, and ice-zone navigation and positioning. This paper outlines the core challenges of manned deep-sea operations in polar environments. It focuses on the submersible’s tailored modification plan and the key technologies implemented during the world’s first coordinated dual-submersible mission in polar waters. This paper aim to provide technical references and engineering paradigms for China’s future routine polar deep-sea exploration, habitat studies and resource surveys.
- polar deep-sea diving,
- manned submersible,
- Jiaolong,
- navigation and positioning,
- dual-submersible collaboration

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References(33)

References

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