Abstract
The goal of this project was to validate failed autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) navigation and control systems, which were failed during an earlier study sponsored by the Dept of Energy’s Ocean Observing Prize Challenge. The systems we sought to study were water-proofing/water-tightness of electronics enclosure and cable penetrations, simple dive/depth control, vertical profiling, underwater navigation, and satellite communications and navigation. Shipping delays cost one (1) of the two (2) weeks of scheduled testing. When testing began water-proofing/water-tightness proved to be a success. However, dive/depth control proved to be problematic on account of issues with the pressure depth sensor mechanism. These issues were solved, resulting in a successful dive/depth control test near the end of the end of the scheduled testing period. Work is underway to schedule a later testing period for vertical profiling, underwater navigation, and satellite communications and navigation.