National Museum of Natural History
Hydrolab
May 15, 1986 – October 3, 1999
Hydrolab, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's underwater research lab, is eighteen feet long, and weighs approximately ten tons. For eight years it was submerged near the U.S. Virgin Islands. It has been used for dozens of undersea research projects involving scientists/aquanauts from all over the world.
Four people could live in the tank for periods of 14 days, allowing excursion dives to depths of more than 100 feet. The Hydrolab has running water, electricity, heat, and living quarters. NOAA is currently developing a much larger Hydrolab that will replace this one.
Visitors can view the inside of Hydrolab through its main view port.
