For the next week, Scripps’ remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) will be aboard Sally Ride. Named Trident after UC San Diego’s mascot, it’s rated to a depth of 2,000 meters. Technicians from SIO plan to deploy the ROV each day using a small crane bolted to the port side of the ship. The control center is in a converted shipping container also bolted to the back deck of Sally Ride. From there, with the help of computer software and multiple cameras, techs use joysticks to control the ROV’s movements. Trident carries multiple oceanographic sensors including a CTD (conductivity, temperature, depth).

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