ASIP Description

ASIP is an autonomous vertically-moving profilingplatform that is equipped with a suite of senors that makemeasurements of the physical properties of the ocean froma maximum depth of 100m up to the air-sea interface.ASIP is equipped to measure pressure, temperature,conductivity, shear, noise, photosynthetically activeradiation (PAR), oxygen concentration and saturation, andfluorescence.ASIP is ∼2.5m in length and weighs approximately 100kg.The sensors are located at the top of ASIP and areprotected by a guard.

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Description

sensors

upper guard

v-band

attachment gussets

upper section• iridium modem• gps engine• winxp sbc• power conditioning• mission controller• antenna motor controller

recharge portsv-band

xenon strobe

connectivity• science pc ethernet• minidopp data

analogue section• minidopp• rgl astp• data concentrator

antenna shaft

rechargeable battery

battery controller

thruster connectors

thruster

lower guard

battery controllerrechargeable battery

rechargeable battery

attachment gussets

39.7 cm

19.1 cm

38.6 cm

22.9 cm

258.3 cm

Profiling is accomplished withthree thrusters that submergesthe positively buoyant instrumentto a maximum depth of 100 m.Once the pre-programmed depthis reached, the thrusters turn offand ASIP ascends to the surfaceat about 0.5 ms−1 acquiring dataalong this path.Once the surface is reached, ASIPgets its location with the GPSengine and transmits this withthe iridium modem.

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Description

ASIP is strapped to the deck totest the satellite communicationsAntenna extends to get it highenough to connect with thesatellite

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Sensors

A new hydrophone will be attached to quantify breaking wavesand bubbles

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Communications

Two way communication with ASIP is provided by iridium

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Deployment

ASIP is first lifted into the small boat (RHIB) along withthe driver, crew member and two scientistsThe boat is launched and ASIP is lifted over the sideThe sensor cover is removed and a magnet is used to startthe missionASIP is then left in the water and the RHIB returns to theship

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Deployment

ASIP is lifted into the RHIB with an officer, crew member, andtwo scientists

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Deployment

ASIP is lifted over the side of the RHIB and the sensor cover isremoved before release

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Deployment

ASIP begins to profile soon after being released from the RHIB

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Deployment

Waiting for ASIP to submerge after a profile:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emxKl5beQkg

Deploying ASIP from the RHIB:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3oxXLD5nJBk

Returning to ship after an ASIP deployment:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3QzI2xe5pM

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Recovery

ASIP will provide periodic updates on its location viairidium SBDASIP’s mission can be stopped at any time by sending itthe abort commandThis will put ASIP into a mode where it will remain at thesurface and relay its position every 2 minutesThe ship will move to the location of ASIP and the RHIBwill be launched and ASIP recovered

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise

ASIP Lab Space

After recovery, the batteries on ASIP need to be rechargedThis will require space in a dry environment, as theinstrument need to be partially opened for batteryrechargingASIP can sit in a cradle on the floor during the rechargeAbout 2m of bench space are required for the ancillaryequipment

Brian Ward ASIP during the BOWave Cruise