An Ohio billionaire is preparing to launch a voyage to the wreckage of the Titanic buried deep under the sea — less than a year after the Titan submersible catastrophically imploded on its descent to the infamous icon, killing five passengers on board.

Larry Connor, a real estate magnate, tech entrepreneur, and seasoned explorer who has ventured to both the International Space Station and the deepest parts of the ocean, is spearheading this new expedition. Connor is collaborating with Triton Submarines to construct a state-of-the-art submersible designed to safely navigate the treacherous depths to the Titanic's final resting place. His goal is to restore faith in deep-sea exploration following the OceanGate disaster.

“This was a terrible disaster but in our opinion an avoidable one," Connor said regarding last June's OceanGate incident in an interview with NBC's "TODAY" Show that aired Friday morning. "If done correctly, we can demonstrate worldwide that this type of exploration in submersible is safe.”

The Titan submersible, built by Seattle-based OceanGate, imploded during its Titanic voyage last June, instantly killing its CEO Stockton Rush and four other passengers. The company faced severe criticism for its insufficient testing and the use of experimental materials, such as a carbon fiber composite hull. Following the tragedy, OceanGate suspended its operations, and investigations into the fatal disaster are still ongoing.

The voyage to the Titanic wreckage is perilous, located approximately 13,000 feet below sea level where water pressure is hundreds of times greater than at the surface.

“These can be dangerous conditions," Connor said. "We are going to go through multiple steps, multiple certifications, to ensure that this vessel and, specifically, the hull is safe and sound."

Mechanical engineer Bart Kemper, who had previously raised concerns about OceanGate before the Titan implosion, expressed his trust in Triton Submarines. "The big difference here is that we’re using proven technology that’s still innovative but has been done the right way," he explained. When asked if he'd join the mission, he responded enthusiastically: "Oh yeah, in a heartbeat. Sign me up."

Connor emphasized that safety is the top priority for the new submersible, aiming to mitigate fears and concerns about deep-sea travel. He assured that the project would not be rushed and will adhere to DNV certification, provided by one of the world’s leading certification bodies based in Norway.

OceanGate had previously acknowledged in a February 2019 blog post that its Titan vessel wasn’t classed by an independent group that sets safety standards.

"If you’re asking -- are we confident we can do it safely? The answer’s yes," Connor said.

The new submersible, estimated to cost between $13 and $15 million and named The Explorer, is currently under construction with plans to begin research dives by the summer of 2026. Connor intends for the research dives to include two pilots, himself, and Triton Submarines co-founder and CEO Patrick Lahey.

However, Connor assured that if any safety concerns arise, the launch date will be postponed, or the project may be canceled altogether. "If any safety concerns are raised, that date will change or the project altogether will be scrubbed," Connor said.

The initiative is not just about reaching the Titanic but also about setting new standards for deep-sea exploration. Connor’s commitment to thorough testing and certification underscores his dedication to preventing future tragedies and ensuring the safety of all involved in this ambitious endeavor.

In addition to ensuring the submersible's safety, Connor and his team are focusing on utilizing advanced technology to enhance the expedition’s research capabilities. The Explorer will be equipped with high-definition cameras, sonar systems, and robotic arms to conduct detailed studies of the Titanic wreckage and surrounding marine environment. This comprehensive approach aims to contribute valuable scientific data to the field of marine archaeology and oceanography.

Connor’s mission has garnered attention from the scientific community and the public, who remain fascinated by the Titanic and its tragic history. The planned expedition serves as a testament to human curiosity and the enduring desire to explore and understand the depths of our oceans. As the project progresses, updates on The Explorer’s development and eventual dives are anticipated to capture widespread interest and inspire future generations of explorers and scientists.

Connor's project also aims to foster a renewed interest in the technological advancements and safety protocols necessary for deep-sea exploration. By setting a precedent with rigorous testing and certification, the initiative hopes to establish new industry standards and protocols that can be adopted globally. This meticulous approach not only aims to honor the memory of those lost in the OceanGate disaster but also to pave the way for safer, more reliable exploration of the Earth's final frontiers.

Moreover, Connor’s expedition could lead to a deeper understanding of the Titanic’s wreck site, potentially uncovering new historical insights and artifacts. The high-definition imagery and detailed mapping of the wreck could provide invaluable data for historians and researchers, offering a clearer picture of the events leading up to the ship's sinking in 1912. This endeavor stands as a fusion of adventure, technology, and historical investigation, promising to enhance our collective knowledge of one of the most infamous maritime disasters in history.