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Dear Blue Abyss Friends, Supporters, and Colleagues,

As the year draws to a close, let us take a moment to reflect on and celebrate the remarkable milestones we have achieved together in 2024. From Cleveland to Cornwall, subsea to space, and every frontier in between, this year has been transformative for Blue Abyss. Our progress has been underpinned by the unwavering support and dedication of our team, partners, and supporters, all of whom have contributed to making 2024 an extraordinary year.

A special thank you goes to Jeremy 'Banx,' whose festive illustration has once again graced our annual Christmas update. His artwork has become synonymous with the spirit of Blue Abyss, bringing a unique and vibrant touch to our end-of-year celebrations. Jeremy’s creativity continues to inspire and resonate with our community, adding a layer of warmth and individuality to our story.

Below is a detailed look at our accomplishments and our aspirations for the future.

Cleveland, OH

Our Cleveland facility is progressing swiftly, marking a significant step forward in our mission to establish world-class infrastructure for space and subsea research. The acquisition of a 12-acre site near NASA Glenn Research Center, combined with $2.25 million in secured funding for pre-development, underscores the importance of this initiative. Discussions are ongoing for additional land to expand the project’s scope further.

Additionally, we are fostering key partnerships with Case Western Reserve University and NASA Glenn to enhance research and development capabilities in the region. This facility is set to become a cornerstone for innovation, collaboration, and progress- stay tuned for exciting news on these partnerships very soon!

Cornwall, UK

While the development of our Cornwall facility has faced hurdles due to local and regional political dynamics, we have secured £600,000 in matched funding to support the UK site pre-development costs. This funding highlights the strategic alignment of our projects with the UK’s renewable energy priorities. Despite challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment and while we are also exploring alternative locations in the region to ensure the success of this critical project. The South West remains central to our vision for subsea innovation and energy resilience.

Flying High: Parabolic Flights Are Taking Off

Our parabolic flight services have garnered tremendous interest, with substantial letters of Interest from a diverse range of stakeholders, including space agencies, academic institutions, and commercial enterprises. These flights, which simulate microgravity conditions, are pivotal for research, training, and public engagement in space sciences. We are on track to begin operations by 2026, with plans for an earlier launch of flights as soon as Spring 2025. This development represents an exciting new chapter in our mission to enable humanity to thrive in extreme environments.

Dive Deep: Extreme Environment Research

Research and education remain at the heart of Blue Abyss’s mission. In 2024, we have deepened partnerships with leading institutions, including the Cleveland Clinic and Falmouth Marine School. Our collaborations have advanced projects in space health, subsea technology, and renewable energy. Notable achievements include securing grants to support innovative research in human performance and environmental resilience. These efforts position Blue Abyss as a leader in applied science, translating cutting-edge research into tangible benefits for both space exploration and terrestrial applications.

A Year of Growth

2024 has been a year of growth and evolution for our team. We have welcomed Jean-François Lucas as Business Development Director, Susan Akers as our US-based Chief Financial Officer, and Sven Parris as Head of Brand Engagement. Each of these individuals brings a wealth of experience and expertise, strengthening our ability to execute on strategic initiatives, foster innovation, and build meaningful connections with our stakeholders. Their contributions are already proving invaluable as we embark on the next phase of our journey.

Global Connections

This year, our team participated in over 83 events across 12 countries, showcasing our expertise and expanding our global footprint. Highlights include keynotes and panels at major industry conferences. These engagements have solidified Blue Abyss’s reputation as a trusted partner and thought leader in space and subsea industries. From Tokyo to Colorado Springs, our presence has been instrumental in fostering collaborations and driving awareness of our mission.

Looking Ahead: 2025 and Beyond

As we prepare for the year ahead, our focus remains steadfast on our three foundational pillars: Expertise, Infrastructure, and Education. From training future astronauts to advancing subsea technologies and inspiring young minds, Blue Abyss is dedicated to enabling humanity to excel in the most challenging environments. Our commitment to innovation and collaboration will guide our efforts as we continue to expand our reach and impact.

To our incredible team, partners, and supporters—thank you for making 2024 a remarkable year. Together, we have built a strong foundation for an even brighter future. Let us continue to pursue our vision with passion and determination as we move into 2025.

Warm regards, 

John Vickers, CEO 

#flyhighdivedeep