Floating a far-out design

This seagoing lab will be all fin--if it ever gets off the drawing board.

Actually, it's gotten as far as scale models, some of which could sit on your mantel along with that aging ship in a bottle you bought at a flea market years ago. But the SeaOrbiter has a decidedly futuristic look, and a contemporary purpose. Its mission: to follow the currents and give scientists a platform from which to observe sea creatures on their home turf and to study the interaction between ocean and atmosphere (and their effect on climate).

The slender structure will be tall, but much of it--like an iceberg--will be under water. Drawings show eight central work levels occupying about half the height, and a RedNova news story puts it at 165 feet. Windows on the lower levels are meant to let marine researchers spy on whales and other hard-to-observe creatures; it's hoped that the minimal use of an electric engine will help keep from scaring the sea life away. Underwater sections could also be used for training by astronauts; SeaOrbiter's supporters, who include the Mercury astronaut and underwater enthusiast Scott Carpenter.

The tab for getting SeaOrbiter built is expected to exceed $30 million, and the hunt is on for deep-pocketed sponsors. Designer Jacques Rougerie says the craft could be built as early as 2008.

Maybe it's worth a quick call to Hollywood to see if Kevin Costner is working on "Waterworld II."