The first step in the Deep Sentinel program, one of the most ambitious ocean-engineering projects in decades, will be completed this year. This initial step, called Vanguard, will shelter three aquanaut-scientists at depths of 100 meters. Eventually, the project will create a modular underwater habitat system that will let scientists live underwater for weeks at a time.
This is for the oil and gas industry.
Ain’t nobody paying for an underwater habitat for researchers when all researchers do at depth is take photos and samples, which can be done by an ROV.
Oil and Gas OTOH need deep see divers to do welding and other maintenance all the time.