NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer, “America’s Ship for Ocean Exploration,” was commissioned on August 13, 2008, in Seattle, WA. A slide show and video of the Commissioning Ceremony, ship specifications, and more information about the ship and its mission can be found at http://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/okeanos. 

The Okeanos Explorer is on a course to be the only U.S. ship assigned to explore systematically our largely unknown ocean for the purpose of discovery and the advancement of knowledge.

Telepresence and High-Speed Communications

A unique visible feature is the satellite dome atop the mast, containing a 3.7-m diameter satellite dish or VSAT (Very Small Aperture Terminal) capable of transmitting data to shore. This capability will provide explorers with the ability to engage in and manage expeditions from the comfort of shore-based Exploration Command Centers via Internet 2 connections.

The VSAT will be able to send up to three real-time high-definition video feeds from the dedicated Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), images of mapping data collected by a hull-mounted multibeam mapping system, and data collected by numerous sensors installed aboard the ship and ROV. Explorers will be able to communicate with the ship, and assess information and conditions to make decisions on which actions and activities to pursue.

Deep Diving, 6000-m, Dual-Body ROV System

The ROV system consists of two vehicles: (1) a maneuverable primary vehicle fully equipped to collect high-definition video of its surroundings, as well as samples; and (2) a nonmaneuverable "camera sled," also outfitted with a high-definition camera that is positioned above the primary vehicle in order to film it as it investigates interesting features and habitats. Each vehicle has been designed to enable the installation of special equipment and sensors to explore under a variety of conditions. The ROV system will be capable of operating in water depths to 6000 m, and will be permanently installed on the ship and operated out of a dedicated control room.

Next-Generation 3D Mapping System

The vessel has been outfitted with a new multibeam swath mapping system.  The hull-mounted, first of its kind, Kongsberg-Simrad EM302 will provide explorers with high-resolution maps of the seafloor from 40 to 4000 m.  Maps from the system will be used to identify unique seafloor features for further exploration and will be integrated into the high-precision DVL-Nav navigation system to provide a road map for exploring a particular site with the ROV.

A New Paradigm for Exploration

With these tools, NOAA is advancing a new paradigm for exploration, giving shore-based explorers of all kinds and ages access to the excitement of real-time discovery. Using Internet 2 connections and the Exploration Command Centers, explorers can remain on shore and lead or be part of the exploration operations, communicating real-time with the shipboard operators. Through standard Internet connections, anyone with a computer and web access can watch and listen in on operations aboard ship, bringing real-time exploration into living rooms, offices, schools, and businesses across the globe.

Craig W. Russell, OER Senior Planner (ERT, Inc.), NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer
Craig.Russell@noaa.gov, (206) 526-6762