Latest news with #marineexploration
New York Times
08-08-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
A Starfish, a President, and a Deep-Sea Frenzy in Argentina
Couples in Buenos Aires canceled weekend plans to tune in. Friends crammed together on couches, and family chats buzzed with updates. But the spectacle — the talk all over Argentina, with over a million viewers — was not a Lionel Messi soccer match or a presidential debate. It was a live video of crustaceans, sponges and sea cucumbers crawling, creeping and just lolling around the Mar del Plata canyon, off the Argentine coast. The livestream over the past week has transformed a marine exploration project into an internet sensation and shellfish into unexpected standard-bearers for those who oppose President Javier Milei's threats to cut and privatize state-funded science. The marine project, led by scientists from Conicet, Argentina's national scientific council, has reached the front pages of national newspapers, become a talking point on TV shows and been projected on the walls of a nightclub in Buenos Aires. Viewers have adopted a purple sea cucumber as their 'little sweet potato,' named a pink lobster Barbie and made art out of a starfish that looks like a character from 'SpongeBob.' 'It's very gripping,' Natalia Costanzo, 45, a restorer in Buenos Aires, said of the streaming, which she has been watching with her family during dinner. 'And it's an act of resistance.' Mr. Milei has sought to curb Argentina's chronic inflation and lessen its fiscal deficit, drawing outrage from progressives and praise from conservatives for his chain-saw approach to public spending. One of his targets has been research programs, and he has slashed the budget for scientific research by over 20 percent since gaining office in 2023. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Sustainability Times
10-07-2025
- Sustainability Times
'Underwater Jetpack Shocked My Expectations': XiaoTun's $1,374 Kickstarter Device Makes High-Speed Ocean Exploration Possible for First-Time Adventurers
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 The XiaoTun underwater jetpack offers an affordable solution for personal marine exploration, starting at $1,374 on Kickstarter. offers an affordable solution for personal marine exploration, starting at $1,374 on Kickstarter. 🔧 Designed by a Hong Kong startup, it features two 74-lb-ft jet drive modules and a 15,000-mAh lithium-iron-phosphate battery for efficient propulsion. for efficient propulsion. 🚀 Users can select from multiple cruising speeds, reaching up to 4.92 feet per second , with a maximum depth of 66 feet. , with a maximum depth of 66 feet. 💡 The XiaoTun's intuitive remote control and AI-based cruise system ensure a seamless and enjoyable underwater experience. In the realm of personal propulsion devices, aerial jetpacks have long captured the imagination, yet remain elusive to the average consumer. However, the underwater counterpart is rapidly gaining traction, with the XiaoTun leading the charge. This innovative device, produced by a Hong Kong startup, promises to revolutionize underwater exploration by offering an affordable and efficient solution for adventurers and marine enthusiasts alike. With its sleek design and impressive capabilities, the XiaoTun has already made waves on Kickstarter, drawing the attention of those eager to dive deeper into aquatic adventures. The Evolution of Underwater Jetpacks Underwater jetpacks have seen significant advancements over the years. Unlike their aerial counterparts, they have become more accessible to the public. The XiaoTun, also known as the AJ-03 or the AquaticJetpack, is a testament to this evolution. It stands out as a fully backpack-type jetpack, a rarity in a market dominated by arm or hip-worn devices. The only other similar model is the CudaJet, which, despite its superior capabilities, comes with a hefty price tag. The XiaoTun offers a more affordable alternative, making underwater exploration accessible to a broader audience. Its emergence marks a significant milestone in the democratization of underwater propulsion technology. The device is designed primarily for recreational use, yet it holds potential for professional applications as well. Divers, marine researchers, and even rescue operations could benefit from the XiaoTun's efficiency and ease of use. The Kickstarter campaign reflects a growing interest in such technologies, highlighting the public's enthusiasm for new ways to engage with the marine environment. As technology continues to advance, the realm of underwater exploration will likely continue to expand, offering new opportunities for adventure and discovery. 'We've Just Entered a New Era of Flight': Dragonfly's Historic Hydrogen Refuel Changes Aerospace Forever Technical Specifications and Design The XiaoTun is engineered with precision, incorporating materials and technology to ensure durability and performance. It features two side-by-side 74-lb-ft jet drive modules and a 15,000-mAh lithium-iron-phosphate battery. The design includes a chest harness with waist and shoulder straps, providing a comfortable fit for various body sizes. A significant design feature is its ability to accommodate a 2-liter scuba tank, although compatibility with buoyancy control devices and weight belts remains unclear. Users operate the XiaoTun via a hard-wired handheld remote, which allows for precise directional control. The remote features an AI-based cruise control system, which maintains a steady course by compensating for subtle body movements. This innovation ensures a smooth and enjoyable underwater experience, allowing users to focus on their surroundings rather than manual adjustments. With a maximum speed of 4.92 feet per second and a depth rating of 66 feet, the XiaoTun offers a balance of speed and safety, making it ideal for both novice and experienced divers. 'Google Bets Billions on Fusion Breakthrough': This Secretive Deal Could Power the Entire U.S. for Centuries Performance and Usability The XiaoTun offers multiple speed settings, allowing users to select cruising speeds of 1.64, 3.28, or 4.92 feet per second. Each speed setting corresponds to a different runtime, with the battery lasting up to 90 minutes on a single charge at the lowest speed. The device weighs 20.28 pounds out of water, making it relatively lightweight and easy to handle. Its maximum operating depth of 66 feet is suitable for most recreational diving activities, offering ample opportunity to explore marine environments. In comparison, the CudaJet, although more powerful, is heavier at 30.8 pounds and significantly more expensive. It offers faster speeds and greater depth capabilities, but these features come at a cost, restricting it to a niche market. The XiaoTun's affordability and practical features make it an attractive option for those seeking a balance between performance and price. The device's intuitive controls and robust design ensure that users can enjoy a seamless underwater experience, whether they're exploring coral reefs or engaging in leisurely swims. 'Tesla Breaks Free From China': Company Launches In-House LFP Battery Production in a Stunning Strategic Shift Market Potential and Future Prospects The XiaoTun's Kickstarter campaign has sparked considerable interest, indicating a strong market for affordable underwater jetpacks. Priced at $1,374 for early backers, with a planned retail price of $2,747, the device offers significant value for its features. The campaign's success could pave the way for future innovations in the field, as consumer interest drives further development and refinement of such technologies. As underwater exploration becomes more accessible, it opens up possibilities for new recreational and professional activities. The XiaoTun's success could inspire other manufacturers to explore similar technologies, potentially leading to a broader range of products and applications. The potential for collaboration with diving equipment manufacturers could further enhance the device's functionality, integrating it into a comprehensive underwater adventure package. As the boundaries of underwater exploration expand, one must wonder: how will these innovations reshape our relationship with the ocean and its mysteries? This article is based on verified sources and supported by editorial technologies. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (28)
