Ocean monster shows hidden depths
We started planning the Chikyu about 15 years ago, and there were some people who thought we were too ambitious," he recalled.
"But now we can see that the ship is doing what it is designed to do and is opening up new possibilities."
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We should not forget that only goverments have the time and money for basic research. The technology developed for this research ship will have applications far beyond its intended /stated purpose.