OpenROV is a drone of sorts that travels deep into the waters and can be directed by a laptop, giving those controlling it on land a close up view of what’s down there.

Undersea exploration can be expensive and dangerous, leaving many otherwise interested parties on the shore with only their dreams.

The developers of OpenROV say that for the relatively small investment 849 dollars, those left behind can make their underwater wishes come true.

OpenROV is a drone of sorts that travels deep into the waters and can be directed by a laptop, giving those controlling it on land a close up view of what’s down there.

It’s also a community of like-minded people, who share software, ideas, and underwater images with one another.

The concept was developed by a NASA intern and kindred soul who was at the time between jobs.

Both believed that affordable deep-sea sightseeing was possible, but weren’t sure how many others would be into it.

They put their plan up on Kickstarter and within hours had pulled in the entire 20 thousand dollars they needed.

Now, they sell the robot kits and manage the community of contributors. They also offer instructions on how to source materials and build you own, complete with supply list and assembly guidance.