How Scientists Plan To Discover The Mysterious Depths Underneath The Antarctic Ice
On the outset, it is very important decode the quite complicated title that the researchers have chosen for his or her probe. Whereas the “Triple” in TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 stands for “Applied sciences for Speedy Ice Penetration and Subglacial Lake Exploration,” the AUV bit is brief for “Autonomous Underwater Automobile” — with the “nano” bit describing its quite diminutive measurement.
Measuring simply 50 cm lengthy and 10 cm thick, the TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 is simply barely bigger than a typical toy. The small measurement of the AUV was a necessity as a result of it needs to be transported by way of the ice as payload inside a melting probe. This melting probe is crucial to soften the frozen ice and create a pathway for the AUV to achieve the sub-glacial waters.
The AUV itself will likely be powered by batteries, together with a number of devices and sensors designed to seek for indicators of life and accumulate samples. As soon as the AUV reaches the specified depth, it is going to be powered on and may function for a number of hours on a single cost.
Along with the AUV, the group additionally intends to anchor an underwater docking station designed particularly for the AUV, which can function a docking station and a communications unit. The TRIPLE-nanoAUV 2 system will likely be examined within the spring of 2026 throughout a discipline trial below the Antarctic ice shelf, close to the Neumayer III Station.
