Uncrewed vessel sets out on 22,000km Antarctic mission for climate data
An uncrewed ship powered by sun and wind begins a 22,000km journey around Antarctica to measure ocean carbon absorption.
A small robotic ship launched from Hobart on a seven to nine-month voyage around Antarctica will collect data on how oceans absorb carbon dioxide. The orange seven-metre craft is made by US company Saildrone and uses powerful westerly winds and solar power to move.
The vessel will gather measurements of wind, pressure, temperature, salinity and carbon dioxide levels. It will measure these in water and air across the Southern Ocean.
CSIRO scientist Elizabeth Shadwick said the journey is seven times the distance between Sydney and Perth. The ocean takes in about a third of human-made emissions each year, she explained.
But scientists need better data to understand how that process might change. Other vessels are planned to launch at three-monthly intervals across the world's oceans.
- 22,000km
- Journey distance
- 7 to 9 months
- Expected duration
- 7 metres
- Vessel length
- Saildrone (US)
- Manufacturer
Why it mattersUnderstanding how the Southern Ocean absorbs carbon is crucial. It helps us predict whether this system will keep working as the planet warms.
AustraliaAustralian-led research gathering critical climate data that informs global climate models and international climate policy.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 11 d ago
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