Qualification of Polar Remotely Operated Vehicle at East Antarctica

Abstract

National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the aegis of Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India has developed a Mini work class Polar Remotely Operated Vehicle (PROVe) for polar studies. PROVe is an unmanned, free swimming underwater vehicle. As part of the 34thIndian scientific expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) a team of six members from NIOT participated in the summer expedition in 2015 and carried out system functionality qualification in polar environment at a temperature range from −5° C to −20° C and scientific studies with connected scientific payloads using PROVe at Antarctica. PROVe was mobilized to Antarctica and deployed at Priyadarshini Lake near MAITRI station (Indian Base station at Antarctica) during February 2015. PROVe maneuverability with connected sensor were tested successfully and collected high resolution video images of algal mats covered over the glacial debris. All the operations were tested and the technology use in this epicontinental lake had been proved for further scientific studies in near future. After completion of the exploration at the lake, all the subsystems of PROVe were mobilized to ship by helicopter from Maitri station and reassembled onboard Ivan Papanin to study the Ice shelf at New Indian Barrier. ROV dived up to 62 m water depth successfully and during the dives the ice shelf continuity beyond 62 m depth was recorded. System functionality of all subsystems such as mini deck power converter, control console, umbilical cable, ROV thrusters, electronics and electrical components, poly-propylene frame, buoyancy module, “O” rings designed by NIOT for the low temperature polar environment was tested successfully. During the PROVe trial scientific data such as water temperature, salinity, irradiance, water sampling etc apart from color and black & white camera footings were also successfully collected. This article explains underwater vehicle technology development and its outcome during the exploratory first step in the polar environment of East Antarctic.