Remote Operations
The SP-48 is configured with redundant communication links for basic inshore and over-the-horizon operations, with additional options available to satisfy a variety of control and data requirements.
The SeaTrac Dashboard Control Software allows pilots to manage data flow based on mission needs to provide key information about the system and surrounding environment. This software is used to program and execute missions while monitoring the status and health of the USV. Configured alerts send notifications about battery levels, position alerts, incoming traffic, and other key parameters, allowing one pilot to manage multiple vessels.
Highly portable, this system includes a trailer for towing behind a car and a single-point lift for ship-based launch and recovery. SeaTrac’s SP- 48 provides a cost-effective uncrewed alternative across many applications including, but not limited to, metocean/weather data collection; water quality monitoring and sampling; hydrographic surveys; data harvesting and communications relays; passive acoustic monitoring; and hydrocarbon monitoring.
Optimized Observing Payloads
The USV includes a variety of built-in sensors and supports a wide range of payloads. SeaTrac’s SP-48 USV has been—and continues to be—a vital tool for a mission being carried out in partnership with the University of Southern Mississippi (USM) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to map hypoxic zones in the Gulf of Mexico. In this capacity, the SP-48 has successfully proven its capability of reducing manpower and resources compared to traditional crewed vessels while collecting key monitoring data needed to determine the status of the hypoxic zones.
As a part of this project, the SP-48 piloted remotely, faced harsh winter conditions that included high winds and limited sun for solar charging. Despite these challenges, the USV collected high-quality data across 220 nautical miles using advanced sensors and overcame challenges like precise depth control.
“SeaTrac’s SP-48 significantly reduced the number of on-site personnel needed,” said Dr. Jason McKenna of USM. “We look forward to incorporating this technology into future research.”
This mission is ongoing, now with multiple SeaTrac USVs gathering additional data that will be compared to a crewed vessel’s findings. This project showcases SeaTrac’s potential for efficient and safe data collection.
To find out more visit: https://www.seatrac.com/
This spotlight was featured in the 2024-2025 Marine Instruments Buyers’ Guide, read more here.
