[BitWielder1]

Space isn't just space, it also some very hostile environments, massive radiation, planets with no oxygen, tremendous atmospheric pressure etc.
Underwater habitats is a good way to start developing tech for living where no humans can live unprotected..

[JimSEA]

“while they’re down there anyway, collect a few samples for marine biology and geology studies.”

I’d hope they do the incidental glancing around better than they apparently intend. There is a lot of unknown territory down there.