The Memorial Explorer: Developing the role of AUVs in under-ice research

Autonomous Underwater Vehicles are a leading technology for under-ice deployment and research. Memorial University and its Explorer AUV, in cooperation with the University of Tasmania and the Australian Antarctic Division, has embarked on a multi-phase development program that will lead to a scientific mission in the Australian Antarctic. Completion of Phase I saw the AUV deployed in the Canadian high Arctic and acoustic data collection performed in the Australian Antarctic. Currently in Phase II, the AUV is being fitted with a full suite of survey tools and will see developments in the fields of navigation, positioning and mission completion. Phase III will see further developments in AUV technology for under-ice research, with the ultimate goal being the AUV deployed in the Antarctic for a scientific mission to explore the role of sea-ice in the World's climate.