For most of modern history, oceans have acted as natural barriers—dividing nations, slowing trade, and shaping how cities grow. But beneath the waves, a quiet transportation revolution is underway. Infrastructure once limited by geography is now being reimagined through undersea railways.

Undersea rail tunnels—like the Channel Tunnel and Japan’s Seikan Tunnel—proved decades ago that trains could reliably travel beneath the ocean floor. Today, new projects are expanding that vision even further.

Around the world, engineers and governments are investing in undersea railways—tunnels that allow high-speed trains to travel beneath oceans and seas. Once considered science fiction, these projects are now operational, under construction, or actively being planned.

Undersea Rail Is Already a Reality

Japan’s Seikan Tunnel and the Channel Tunnel between the United Kingdom and France proved decades ago that undersea railways are not only possible, but reliable. These tunnels carry passengers and freight beneath the sea every day, reshaping regional connectivity.

Undersea railways are cleaner than short-haul flights, more resilient than bridges, and capable of lasting more than a century. As climate pressures and congestion increase, rail beneath the sea is emerging as a practical solution for future mobility.

What’s Being Built Right Now

China is currently constructing the Jintang Undersea Railway Tunnel as part of the Ningbo–Zhoushan high-speed rail line, while Europe’s Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will soon connect Denmark and Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. These projects highlight how transportation and technology are converging to solve modern mobility challenges.

The Mega-Projects Still on the Drawing Board

Looking ahead, proposals such as the Helsinki–Tallinn Tunnel and the long-studied Strait of Gibraltar rail tunnel could reshape global affairs by linking regions—and even continents—once separated by water.

Why Undersea Rail Matters

The future of transportation may not rise above the ocean—but run quietly beneath it.

Blue Origin has officially kicked off its 2026 flight calendar, successfully completing the 38th mission of its New Shepard program and further solidifying its role in commercial human spaceflight.

The suborbital flight, known as NS-38, carried six private astronauts beyond the Kármán line, offering several minutes of weightlessness and sweeping views of Earth before a safe return to West Texas. The mission marks the first New Shepard launch of 2026 and another milestone for Blue Origin’s reusable spaceflight system.

Why I Want to Take the Train from Phoenix to Los Angeles – STM Daily News Podcast

The NS-38 Crew

The six-person crew aboard NS-38 included:

• Tim Drexler
• Dr. Linda Edwards
• Alain Fernandez
• Alberto Gutiérrez
• Jim Hendren
• Dr. Laura Stiles

With this flight, New Shepard has now flown 98 humans into space, representing 92 individual passengers. The growing total reflects Blue Origin’s emphasis on routine, repeatable access to space—once considered experimental, now becoming operational.

A Reliable Start to 2026

Blue Origin leadership emphasized reliability and customer trust as central priorities moving into the new year.

“As we enter 2026, we’re focused on continuing to deliver transformational experiences for our customers through the proven capability and reliability of New Shepard,” said Phil Joyce, Senior Vice President of New Shepard. “We are grateful for our astronaut customers who put their trust in our team to bring this experience into reality.”

The fully reusable New Shepard rocket and capsule system has demonstrated strong safety performance, autonomous operations, and consistent recovery—key elements in scaling human spaceflight.

Building Toward a Larger Vision

Beyond space tourism, New Shepard plays a foundational role in Blue Origin’s long-term goal of enabling millions of people to live and work in space for the benefit of Earth.

As the company’s first operational human spaceflight system, New Shepard supports:

• Reusable launch vehicle testing
• Human-rated safety system validation
• Increased launch cadence and manufacturing expertise
• Future Blue Origin programs and missions

Each successful flight expands operational confidence while helping normalize commercial access to space.

What’s Next for Aspiring Astronauts

Blue Origin continues to accept interest from future New Shepard passengers, with additional flights expected throughout 2026. The company also released commemorative merchandise from the NS-38 mission, now available through the Blue Origin Shop.

As commercial spaceflight matures, missions like NS-38 highlight the industry’s shift from novelty to normalcy—bringing space closer to scientists, explorers, and private citizens alike.

Related Articles & Information

• Blue Origin – New Shepard Program Overview
  Official overview of Blue Origin’s reusable suborbital rocket and human spaceflight system.
• Blue Origin – Human Spaceflight Missions
  Details on past and upcoming crewed New Shepard missions.
• NASA: Humans in Space
  NASA’s overview of human spaceflight history and current programs.
• Commercial Spaceflight: How Private Companies Are Changing Access to Space
  STM Daily News coverage of the growing space tourism and commercial launch industry.
• Reusable Rockets Explained: Why They Matter
  An explainer on reusable rocket technology and its impact on space exploration.

For more updates, insights, and in-depth coverage of space exploration and commercial spaceflight, visit the STM Daily News blog at stmdailynews.com. From mission breakdowns to industry trends and technology explainers, STM Daily News keeps you informed about humanity’s journey beyond Earth.

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Last Updated on December 19, 2025 by Daily News Staff

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim poses inside the International Space Station’s cupola as it orbits 265 miles above the Indian Ocean near Madagascar. Credit: NASA

• What: Jonny Kim’s ISS Mission Recap News Conference
• When: Friday, Dec. 19, 3:30 p.m. EST
• Where: NASA’s YouTube channel (also available on other NASA streaming platforms)

A Mission Marked by Discovery

Advancing Medicine and Technology

• Bioprinted Tissues in Microgravity: Kim helped study the behavior of bioprinted tissues containing blood vessels, a step forward in space-based tissue production that could one day revolutionize patient care on Earth.
• Remote Robotics Operations: Through the Surface Avatar study, Kim tested the remote command of multiple robots in space—work that could lead to more advanced robotic assistants for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
• Nanomaterials for Medicine: Kim contributed to the development of DNA-mimicking nanomaterials, opening doors for improved drug delivery and regenerative medicine both in space and at home.

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Why This Matters