This dive site is the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory (NBL), an artificial, indoor pool facility operated by NASA near the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. It serves primarily as a controlled environment for astronaut training, featuring a full-scale mock-up of the International Space Station (ISS) and other spacecraft components underwater. Navigation involves practicing spacewalk procedures and equipment handling in a simulated microgravity environment, allowing astronauts to gain familiarity with equipment and tasks in a neutral buoyancy setting.
Being an artificial, chlorinated pool, the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory does not host any natural marine animals or plant life. Its purpose is entirely focused on human training in a simulated space environment, devoid of natural ecosystems.
The NBL is not a recreational dive site and is not open to the public for general diving or snorkeling. Therefore, there is no "best time to visit" for recreational purposes or specific tips for divers, other than to acknowledge its critical role in space exploration training. Access is highly restricted and only for authorized personnel, typically astronauts and support teams.
Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory
NASA astronaut training pool with ISS mock-up.
Shore Access
6m Avg Depth
12m Max Depth
About this dive site
DivingFreedivingSnorkeling
Plan Your Visit
training facilityartificial structurecontrolled environmentbeginner friendlywide angleindoorpool
Things to Note
Difficulty:
All levels
Controlled environment, artificial pool for training, not open water recreational diving difficulty.
Current Strength:
Mild
Plan Your Dive
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This dive site information and pictures are sponsored by James T. (#2188058)
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