In-situ observation and exploration of the deep-sea environment presents considerable challenges and hazards. Teleoperation of remotely piloted vehicles (RPV) provides an opportunity for continuous telepresence, however, such missions are energy intensive both for propulsion and illumination. Tethered vehicles are limited in range and the need for a weather-dependent surface support ship. An approach is presented which utilizes a shore-based power line/fiber optic cable connected to a deep-sea recharge site. Free flying RPVs periodically recharge batteries and send video and data back to the surface. The recharge site can be relocated to expand the exploration area, and the entire mission remains underwater for the mission duration. The Hudson submarine canyon provides an ideal test site due to its proximity to a large user population area (New York City) and its geological and biological diversity. Alternate test sites and vehicle design issues are detailed. An access fee structure over the Internet for general public participation is discussed, and the possibility of an economically self-supporting venture when conducted on a sufficiently large scale is also considered.

Date Published: 5 February 2002
PDF: 8 pages
Proc. SPIE 4570, Telemanipulator and Telepresence Technologies VIII, (5 February 2002); doi: 10.1117/12.454739

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 4570:
Telemanipulator and Telepresence Technologies VIII
Matthew R. Stein, Editor(s)