NASA has downplayed its role in the development of OceanGate's Titan submersible during testimony provided at the panel responsible for investigating the vessel's fatal implosion.

OceanGate cofounder Stockton Rush had previously said the Titan's experimental hull was developed with NASA's help. Rush died along with four other explorers when the submersible his company built imploded on its mission to explore the Titanic in June last year.

However, Justin Jackson, a materials engineer for NASA, on Thursday told the Coast Guard panel investigating the catastrophe that NASA's input was minimal and limited to early consultations.

His testimony suggested the final design used in the doomed expedition did not include NASA products.

"We provided remote consultations throughout the build of their one-third scale article, but we did not do any manufacturing or testing of their cylinders," Jackson said.

The deep-sea submersible was designed to reach the Titanic wreck, located approximately 12,500 feet below the surface of the North Atlantic.

Members of the Coast Guard's Titan Submersible Marine Board of Investigation listen during the formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, September 23, 2024, in North Charleston, South Carolina. NASA materials engineer Justin Jackson... Members of the Coast Guard's Titan Submersible Marine Board of Investigation listen during the formal hearing inside the Charleston County Council Chambers, September 23, 2024, in North Charleston, South Carolina. NASA materials engineer Justin Jackson said in his testimony that NASA declined OceanGate’s request to mention NASA in promotional materials, citing concerns over the perceived endorsement. Laura Bilson/The Post And Courier via AP, Pool

NASA staff were unable to contribute to further construction of the Titan submersible due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the testimony.

Jackson also revealed that NASA had declined to allow its name to be used in OceanGate's promotional materials because the language appeared to suggest a level of endorsement the agency was not comfortable with.

"The language they were using was getting too close to us endorsing, so our folks had some heartburn with the endorsement level of it," he explained.

Having run for several weeks, the Coast Guard panel is currently investigating the cause of the June 2023 implosion and has focused on OceanGate's unorthodox approach to deep-sea exploration.

The company's Titan submersible, which used a novel carbon fiber design rather than more conventional materials like steel or titanium, has been under scrutiny since the disaster.

Before he died in the Titan, Rush was known for pushing his company to innovate, but former employees and experts have raised concerns about OceanGate's safety protocols and priorities.

David Lochridge, the company's former operations director, testified earlier this month, and painted a troubling picture of internal dynamics at OceanGate.

"The whole idea behind the company was to make money," Lochridge said, describing frequent clashes with Rush over safety concerns.

"There was very little in the way of science."

A NASA engineer inspects the Orion Capsule in the well deck of the U.S.S. Portland the day after splash down, following a successful uncrewed Artemis I Moon Mission, on December 12, 2022. OceanGate co-founder Stockton... A NASA engineer inspects the Orion Capsule in the well deck of the U.S.S. Portland the day after splash down, following a successful uncrewed Artemis I Moon Mission, on December 12, 2022. OceanGate co-founder Stockton Rush previously claimed NASA helped develop the sub’s carbon fiber hull. Mario Tama/Getty Images

OceanGate has been criticized for the lack of independent review of Titan's design, which is standard practice in submersible manufacturing, sparking widespread discussions about the future of private sector deep-sea exploration and whether it will ever be considered safe.

OceanGate's cofounder, Guillermo Sohnlein, remained optimistic in his testimony.

He expressed hope that the disaster would not discourage future deep-sea ventures, stating, "This can't be the end of deep ocean exploration."

Despite having exited the project over a decade ago, Sohnlein envisioned a "fleet" of submersibles, four to five deep-diving vessels, each designed to carry five passengers to depths of over 19,600 feet.

John Mauger, the First Coast Guard District commander, gives an update on the search efforts for five people aboard a missing submersible approximately 900 miles off Cape Cod, on June 22, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.... John Mauger, the First Coast Guard District commander, gives an update on the search efforts for five people aboard a missing submersible approximately 900 miles off Cape Cod, on June 22, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts. Former OceanGate employees testified that the company prioritized profits over safety, with some clashing with co-founder Stockton Rush over operational risks. Scott Eisen/Getty Images

The Coast Guard's investigation, which began earlier this month, has revealed troubling details about the submersible's final moments.

On June 18, 2023, the Titan lost contact with its support ship, Polar Prince, after sending a text confirming its depth and weight.

One of the last messages from Titan's crew indicated that everything was "all good," but the submersible soon lost contact and subsequently imploded.

Pieces of the Titan were later discovered near its desired destination, the Titanic wreck.

The hearing is set to continue, with testimony from representatives of Boeing, the U.S. Coast Guard, and others.

OceanGate has said it is cooperating fully with the investigation.

This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.

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