Stockton Rush, the co-founder and CEO of OceanGate, claimed that NASA and aerospace manufacturers helped develop the carbon fibre hull of the Titan submersible. However, a NASA official stated the agency had minimal involvement. A Boeing official also noted that the aerospace manufacturer’s advice was disregarded.
Justin Jackson, a NASA materials engineer, explained that the agency planned to assist in building and testing the carbon fibre hull. The COVID-19 pandemic, however, hindered this involvement. Instead, NASA consulted on a one-third scale mock-up of Titan, not the actual submersible that imploded with five people, including Rush, on 18 June 2023, while descending to the Titanic wreck.
Jackson told the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) that NASA was uncomfortable with OceanGate’s use of its name. He mentioned, “The language they were using was getting too close to us endorsing, so our folks had some heartburn.” This hearing was part of an investigation into the Titan’s implosion off Newfoundland, Canada.
A NASA official testified Thursday that the space agency actually had little involvement with the Titan submersible. https://t.co/YcyjT7bA8X
— KSWO7News (@KSWO_7NEWS) September 27, 2024
Boeing was involved in an early feasibility study on using carbon fibre for Titan’s hull and OceanGate’s acoustic sensors on the vessel. Mark Negley, a material and process engineer at Boeing, stated that OceanGate ignored recommendations regarding hull thickness and carbon fibre layer orientation for maximum strength.
At the beginning of the MBI hearing, Coast Guard officials indicated the vessel was not independently reviewed before its deep-sea journey, contrary to standard practice.
The vessel’s design faced scrutiny from the undersea exploration community. Coast Guard Marine Inspector John Winters testified that Rush opposed regulations, claiming they hindered innovation. Nonetheless, Rush did not attempt to bypass any Coast Guard regulations.
NASA, Boeing describe limited roles despite Titan’s owner touting aerospace ties | Click on the image to read the full story https://t.co/PGSow9oEcV
— WMTW TV (@WMTWTV) September 27, 2024
Winters mentioned he was aware of two other submersibles used by OceanGate before learning of Titan, designed to reach the Titanic. He was unsure if the company informed the Coast Guard about Titan’s construction or sought its guidance.
“We didn’t get into about what standards it was built to, who built it. None of that was discussed,” Winters said. “It was just, ‘Hey, we have a submarine. It’s good for 4,000 metres. We have a submarine to do that now.’”
More testimonies are expected as the hearing continues through Friday.
The MBI probe is the highest level of marine casualty investigation by the Coast Guard. Upon conclusion, recommendations will be submitted to the Coast Guard commandant. The National Transportation Safety Board is also investigating.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Us News highlights NASA, Boeing, and Coast Guard representatives’ testimony on the Titan submersible implosion, scrutinizing OceanGate’s design and business practices amid a troubled history.
The article emphasizes the intense scrutiny of the Titan submersible’s design and the company’s troubled history, which included a focus on profit over scientific endeavors and an unconventional design that lacked an independent review. The incident has sparked a global discussion about the future of private underwater exploration, with some former employees expressing concerns about the company’s impatience and profit-driven approach. The hearing is ongoing, featuring additional witnesses and insights into the tragic event that led to the loss of five lives during a dive to the Titanic wreck site in June 2023. The Coast Guard and NTSB are conducting comprehensive investigations into the reasons behind the implosion. Despite the tragic outcome, some hope that the incident might lead to a renewed enthusiasm for deep-sea exploration and safety measures in the industry.
The article highlights the unique angle of the investigation focusing on both the technical and operational aspects of the submersible, as well as the broader implications for private underwater exploration. The key points include:
– **Design and Safety**: The submersible’s unconventional design and lack of an independent review raised significant safety concerns.
– **Company Culture**: Former employees described a company prioritizing revenue over scientific endeavors and characterized by impatience in its operations.
– **Investigations**: The Coast Guard and NTSB are conducting thorough investigations, and the hearing is ongoing with additional testimony from key stakeholders.
– **Future of Exploration**: The incident has sparked discussions about the future of private underwater exploration, with some hoping for renewed safety measures and enthusiasm.Overall, the article provides a detailed perspective on the investigation, emphasizing both the technical aspects of the incident and the broader implications for the industry.(read more)
- Coast Guard Marine Inspector’s Testimony: Titan’s Owner Railed Against Regulations – The Coast Guard hearing scrutinizes OceanGate’s unconventional submersible design, regulatory compliance, and safety concerns following its implosion in 2023.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Did NASA help build the Titan submersible?
NASA consulted on a scale mock-up but did not build the actual Titan submersible.
What was Boeing’s involvement with the Titan submersible?
Boeing conducted a feasibility study and made recommendations on hull thickness and carbon fiber orientation, which were ignored.
Why did NASA’s involvement with OceanGate change?
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented NASA from playing a larger role in building and testing the carbon fiber hull.
Was the Titan submersible independently reviewed before its journey?
No, it was not independently reviewed according to standard practice before its journey.
What is the Coast Guard Marine Board of Investigation (MBI) looking into?
The MBI is investigating the cause of the Titan submersible’s implosion and its design and construction standards.
