Only three months after announcing a trip to the International Space Station, Connor Group managing partner Larry Connor’s next exploration is on the books.
He’s heading to the deepest, darkest point on Earth to explore the Mariana Trench, embarking on a mission focused on discovering groundbreaking scientific research.
The journey to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean near Guam will send Larry to depths of more than 35,000 feet during two dives to the Challenger and Sirena Deeps later this month.
His latest exploration will make him the first person in history to travel to the deepest parts of the ocean and space within one year. When the opportunity came, Larry was All In.
“It’s an honor,” Larry said. “It’s even more exciting that it’s never been done before. I hope in some way to be paving the way for future generations, making exploration of space and the deepest parts of our ocean more accessible.”
Heading into the abyss is certainly not for everyone. Larry’s dive to the bottom of the Sirena Deep is only the second in history. Each dive lasts about 12 hours or more and is done in a state-of-the-art submarine, DSV Limiting Factor.
“We’re literally in a titanium tube. The good news is I’ve had plenty of experiences in being comfortable being uncomfortable,” Larry said.
Larry will be diving with pilot Patrick Lahey, CEO and owner of Triton Submarines. He is the world’s most experienced submersible pilot and led more than 1,200 successful missions.
The investment of time and resources to take these trips is something Larry’s passionate about. Ultimately, the goal is to gather scientific samples and map unknown parts of the ocean floor before returning to the surface.
“I’ve always been passionate about exploration and about trying to do groundbreaking research,” Larry said. “I’m not a scientist, but the private sector can do unbelievable things to help advance research to help all people.”
The trips to inner and outer space have thrust The Connor Group into the spotlight, showcasing our core values and beliefs that with the right mindset, anything is possible.
“Aim high. Never set limits. Never put a ceiling on what you can do. The impossible is only impossible if you think it’s impossible,” Larry said.