Calypso

Calypso explores environmentally driven energy generation for underwater systems by designing an aluminum-fueled buoyancy engine. Developed within MIT’s Engineering Systems Design course, the project demonstrates that by converting the exothermic aluminum-water reaction into controllable gas expansion, Calypso enables buoyancy shifts that allow underwater gliders to ascend and descend autonomously without propellers. Calypso proposes a more sustainable model for underwater energy systems, reducing reliance on batteries, extending mission duration, and opening new possibilities for compact, reactive architectures in extreme environments.

Link to white paper and sponsor draft