NOAA Introduces Innovative Ocean Drone to Replace Lost Weather Buoys
NOAA Introduces New Ocean Drone for Research Fleet
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has unveiled a new uncrewed surface vehicle designed for its research fleet. This solar-powered, self-propelled drone, named SeaTrac, is engineered to operate at sea for extended periods and can be easily transported by truck.
Developed by a small company in Marblehead, Massachusetts, the SeaTrac is expected to perform many functions traditionally associated with weather buoys, along with additional capabilities.
Specifications of the SeaTrac
The SeaTrac, also known as the SP-48, is a bright yellow ocean drone measuring 15.7 feet in length and 4.6 feet in width. It has an empty weight of 606 pounds and can carry a payload of up to 154 pounds. The drone can reach a top speed of 5 knots (approximately 5.8 mph) and is equipped with a 6.75 kWh battery, providing up to 500 watts of continuous power for onboard instruments.
With a draft of only 1.4 feet, the SeaTrac is suitable for coastal operations and shallow waters. Its compact size allows it to be deployed from a standard trailer without the need for a larger vessel.
Development and Features
NOAA’s Pacific Marine Environmental Laboratory (PMEL) has a history of adapting commercial platforms for ocean research. The SeaTrac has been modified to include a rear mast for atmospheric sensors and a profiling winch capable of measuring water columns down to 820 feet. This configuration allows it to carry both NOAA-designed instruments and commercially available equipment.
Scott Stalin, acting director of PMEL’s Engineering Development Division, emphasized the platform’s flexibility and ownership benefits, noting that NOAA owns the data collected and incurs only operational costs.
Primary Use Case: Weather Buoy Replacement
One of the primary applications being tested for the SeaTrac is the replacement of weather buoys, which can be lost or damaged during storms. Traditionally, replacing these buoys requires a ship, crew, and favorable weather conditions, which can take weeks. The SeaTrac can be easily transported to coastal areas, launched into the water, and programmed to autonomously operate alongside existing buoys for data comparison.
During a recent test near Puget Sound, PMEL successfully programmed a modified SeaTrac to navigate to a tsunami buoy, demonstrating its potential for rapid deployment in critical situations.
Future Missions and Applications
The SeaTrac’s role in buoy replacement is just the beginning. PMEL plans to utilize the drone for various missions, including supporting a 2027 Integrated Ecosystem Research Program in the northern Bering Sea, where it will monitor environmental conditions near retreating sea ice. Additionally, NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory intends to deploy a SeaTrac in Lake Huron to monitor harmful algal blooms in real time.
Future missions may also involve detecting marine algae responsible for Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, with the goal of establishing a fleet of SeaTracs to monitor coastal waters across the United States.
Conclusion
The introduction of the SeaTrac represents a significant advancement in NOAA’s research capabilities. By developing its own modular toolkit, NOAA aims to enhance its ability to observe and respond to changes in ocean conditions. The SeaTrac, alongside other platforms like Saildrone, will contribute to a comprehensive approach to marine research and environmental monitoring.
Photo credit: NOAA