Science AMA Series: Schmidt Ocean Institute ROV Team - We are the team
that created Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, capable of
diving 4,500 meters - from original design to first dive - in less than
16 months. Ask us anything!
Abstract
We work for the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a non-profit established to
advance oceanographic research of the ocean through exploration,
innovation and data sharing. This is the first submersible vehicle SOI
has built. Before SuBastian, SOI rented scientific robots to launch off
our retrofitted ship, Falkor (an ex-German fishery protection vessel).
Yes, both Falkor and SuBastian get their names from The Neverending
Story. Every year we open a call for expressions of interest. Scientists
from around the world can apply for ship time, and we’re really focusing
on high-risk, high-reward, cutting-edge science that wouldn’t normally
get funded by traditional funding agencies. Humanity still knows very
little about the deep ocean. The ROV was built to have the power of a
rugby player but the dexterity of a neurosurgeon - it is powerful and
precise. It is able to take 4k video, sample underwater thermal vents
and collect samples 2.8 miles below the ocean’s surface: conditions
where where darkness, near-freezing temperatures and intense pressure
are just a few of the obstacles, and the ROV is able to stay underwater
for days as needed. This summer the ROV crew is testing SuBastian in the
open ocean, and in November they will conduct scientific experiments
near Hydrothermal Vents in the Marianas Trench. We will be back at 4 pm
ET to answer your questions, Ask us anything!