Jason (ROV)

Two-axis clinometer, 0.1 degree resolution Heading Flux-gate compass, 0.1 degree resolution Gimballed gyro, 0.1 degree resolution Pressure Depth Bulk semiconductor strain gauge, 1m resolution Altitude Two surface-selectable channels from the following: One single-CCD-chip color One three-CCD-chip color One single-CCD-chip black and white, aft looking Still Camera 35mm, 400 frames with either 16mm or 28mm lens Electronic Camera Marquest Model 9100 camera Lighting One 200 watt-second strobe One 300 or 600 watt-second strobe Three 250 watt incandescent lamps Two 400 watt HMI lights SImagenex 855 scanning sonar with forward imaging or profiling head Payload: 50 kg Umbilical: 35 meters, 18 mm diameter, neutrally buoyant Navigation Long base line responder or relay transmitter/receiver Jason is a two-body remotely operated vehicle (ROV) designed, built, and operated by the National Deep Submergence Laboratory of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI).

[1][2] The second-generation ROV, called the Jason II, had its sea trials in July 2002 at Nubbin Seamount in the Cascadia basin.

[1][4] A 10-kilometer (6-mile) electro-optical-mechanical tether delivers electrical power and commands from the ship through Medea and down to Jason, which then returns data and live video imagery.

Medea serves as a shock absorber, buffering Jason from the movements of the ship, while providing lighting and a bird’s eye view of the ROV during seafloor operations.

[8] In late summer 2021, two other ROVs, Hercules and Argus, were lost when the ship tether broke while deployed off the coast of Victoria Island.