'Titanic submarines' are 20 years old now
Published: 16 December, 2007, 06:19
It's been 20 years since the world's probably most famous manned submersibles MIR-1 and MIR-2 made their first deep-sea dives. For decades to come the vehicles were destined to become part of some sensational expeditions.
And in August 2007, Russian explorers reached the bottom of the Arctic Ocean in an attempt to prove the North Pole area is part of Russia.
The MIR pair took them to the depth of almost 4300 meters, where its mechanical hands even managed to station a rust-proof Russian flag.
The two MIR submersibles are the true pride of Russian Academy of Sciencies. They were originally developed during Soviet times and built by a Finnish company. The vehicles have a capability to reach a maximum depth of 6000 meters.
Now both MIRs are resting on their supporting vessel, the Akademik Mstislav Keldish, ready to explore new depths.
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