Distant Ocean ★ Fresh

These missions collect "bathymetric" data (sea depth and contours) and meteorological info. This is critical for undersea warfare , as temperature and salinity data help submarine commanders elude detection and improve sonar performance.

A planet 100 light-years away that is 70% larger than Earth and may be a complete ocean world with no landmasses. Distant Ocean

China operates a growing fleet of Type 636/636A distant-ocean survey ships. These vessels are equipped with "gondolas" (retractable structures) and acoustic sensors to map the seabed without interference from bubbles. These missions collect "bathymetric" data (sea depth and

China Maritime Report No. 3: China’s Distant-Ocean Survey Activities China operates a growing fleet of Type 636/636A

This is the most famous candidate. Scientists at the University of Cambridge have detected methane and carbon dioxide in its atmosphere, suggesting a hydrogen-rich environment and a potentially massive liquid ocean.

Reports from the U.S. Naval War College note that the PLAN's distant-ocean survey fleet has more than tripled since 2015. 3. Other Interpretations

Recent discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have highlighted planets that may be entirely covered by water.