Orpheus AUVs test cheap deep-sea mining exploration
spinoff orpheus ocean is deploying two low-cost autonomous submersibles this month to map the pacific seafloor for noaa. the $200k vehicles dive to 6,000 meters to 'hop' and sample sediment cores, drastically undercutting traditional $10m submersibles. the month-long mission targets 8,000 square nautical miles for critical minerals.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution spinoff Orpheus Ocean is deploying two autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) for a NOAA mission to map 8,000 square nautical miles of the Pacific seafloor. The neon submersibles, costing roughly $200,000 each compared to the industry standard of $5-10 million, can dive 6,000 meters to 'hop' along the ocean floor and extract sediment cores. This month-long expedition marks the vehicles' largest test, utilizing the NOAA ship Rainier as a base to survey for critical mineral deposits like cobalt and manganese.