Satellite based remote management and operation of a 6000m AUV

During a July, 2012 expedition to the Hatteras Transverse Canyon, Blake Ridge, and Cape Fear Diapir, the AUV Sentry, aboard the NOAA Ship Okeanos, conducted experiments into remote operation of an AUV via satellite link. Remote launch, remote engineering, remote data processing and remote watch standing were all explored with varying degrees of success. Remote engineering and troubleshooting was found to be exceptionally promising and worthy of further effort. Remote data processing was a valuable addition for a telepresence enabled cruise where a substantial component of the science team was on shore. Remore watch standing and remote launch were both found to be viable though requiring improvement. Technology infrastructure is discussed along with successes, difficulties, and recommendations for future improvement.