Wanted: A Gravedigger for NASA?

[tw]

More places that $80billion could have been spent:

from the NY Times of 13 Nov 2003
Alvin, the submersible that for decades led the American effort to probe the depths of the seas, illuminating such things as the rusting hulk of the Titanic and bizarre ecosystems lush with tube worms, should be upgraded, replaced or joined by a new vehicle that can take people even deeper,...

Launched almost 40 years ago, Alvin began a global revolution in deep exploration but, despite regular upgrades, has become increasingly outdated and limited compared with the diving craft of other nations. Today, two Russian vehicles and a French one can dive about 3.75 miles, and the Japanese hold the world record with a craft that can go down 4 miles.

Alvin was built in a time when science was not so micromanaged by those without science backgrounds.