Ocean Atmosphere Sensor Integration System (OASIS) [NASA long duration solar powered autonomous surface vehicle, 2000s]

[Grey Havoc]

Abstract-This paper introduces recent activities associated with the development of a new long duration solar powered autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) known as the Ocean Atmosphere Sensor Integration System (OASIS). A brief discussion of ASV applications, platform research and development, and challenges is presented. Platform development objectives and the relationship to resulting systems, hull and deck design, and deployment and recovery are highlighted. The paper discusses the development approach, technology, and architecture for the onboard and off-board control systems. A brief chronology of the hardware integration and on water checkout is also provided. A synopsis of current and future collision avoidance considerations is presented.

A. Potential Applications ASV platforms applied to research, civil, and military operations offers the potential for reducing operational costs, increasing the quantity, frequency, and spatial coverage of measurements, and reducing the exposure of humans to hazardous and hostile environments. Oceanographic, atmospheric, and environmental research can benefit from the application of ASV platforms by supporting the collection of in situ measurements at the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer. Measurements include, but are not limited to, surface winds, air temperature, humidity, sea surface temperature, salinity, ocean color, currents, and chemistry. Platforms may function as mobile buoys and Lagrangian drifters. They may also support calibration and validation of remotely sensed measurements from air and space. ASV platform may also support mapping of dynamic features such as Harmful Algal Blooms (HAB) and oil spills. Vertical profiling and sample return support are also possible. Operational civil applications include weather forecasting, hurricane path prediction, and search and rescue. Military and law enforcement operations for homeland security, port/harbor surveillance, mine detection, and reconnaissance may also benefit from using ASV platforms.

https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/pdfs/ADA497223.pdf