Table of Contents
A groundbreaking initiative lead by a consortium of Norwegian industrialists, scientists, and academic institutions is set to transform navigation and communication in icy waters. The Subzerospace program, launched in 2021, aims to adapt Kongsberg sensors for enhanced detection and communication capabilities thru ice.This innovative project, involving partners such as Kongsberg Revelation, the University of Oslo, NTNU Technical University, NASA, the Norwegian Polar Institute, Sintef, and Mustad Autoline, seeks to revolutionize Arctic exploration and maritime safety.
Bridging the Gap in Icy Waters
The primary goal of the subzerospace program is to enable vessels to transmit data through ice,facilitating safer navigation in polar regions and improving the mapping of these remote zones.Traditional navigation in icy waters, despite the use of dedicated charts and the expertise of sailors, remains fraught with risks. The introduction of acoustic sensors capable of autonomous detection and avoidance of hazards promises to be a game-changer.
“This would be a big leap forward for navigation in ice which, despite dedicated charts and the trained eye of sailors on the bridge, still represents important risks.”
Field Research in Extreme Conditions
Field research commenced this summer with a visit to the Juvfonne glacier in Norway’s Jotunheimen massif.Despite being mid-summer, the glacier’s extreme cold provided an ideal testing ground for Kongsberg’s sensors, originally designed for aquatic use but not for glacial conditions. Researchers dug a 3.5-meter-deep hole in the snow, reaching the ice to install a small setup for sending signals. A hole in the ice wall below, filled with water, allowed for acoustic connections between the equipment and the ice.
Adapting Technology for Thick Ice
to map thick ice and enable wireless communication through it, current equipment must be adapted.Researchers are focusing on defining the absorption and diffusion characteristics of waves through ice.This knowledge is crucial for developing new communication systems, algorithms, and protocols that can be applied to navigation and underwater drones for mapping beneath and through the ice.
The team sent waves ranging from 200 Hz to 18 kHz to determine the speed and distance of communication through the ice. They concentrated on frequency response, reverberation, and ambient noise levels. Promising results were achieved with cNODE and cPAP sensors operating at 10-15 kHz over a distance of 40 meters. The researchers also discovered that reinforced fiber connections can function in icy layers using a combination of radio frequencies and acoustic communications, extending up to 25 kilometers in water and ice.
Promising Results and Future prospects
these encouraging findings, along with results from another expedition and field tests conducted in the Svalbard archipelago last August, will now be analyzed by the research team. The insights gained from these studies could pave the way for more advanced sensor technologies, enhancing both safety and efficiency in Arctic navigation.
The Subzerospace program exemplifies the collaborative spirit and innovative drive of Norwegian researchers and industrialists. By pushing the boundaries of sensor technology, they are not only addressing critical challenges in polar navigation but also positioning Norway at the forefront of Arctic exploration and growth.
For U.S. readers, this initiative underscores the global significance of Arctic research and the potential for international collaboration in addressing shared challenges. As the Arctic becomes increasingly accessible, technologies like those developed by the Subzerospace program will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and enduring exploration.
Charts and the trained eye of sailors on the bridge, still represents vital risks.”
Field Research in Extreme Conditions
Field research commenced this summer with a visit to the Juvfonne glacier in Norway’s Jotunheimen massif.Despite being mid-summer, the glacier’s extreme cold provided an ideal testing ground for Kongsberg’s sensors, originally designed for aquatic use but not for glacial conditions. Researchers dug a 3.5-meter-deep hole in the snow, reaching the ice to install a small setup for sending signals. A hole in the ice wall below, filled with water, allowed for acoustic connections between the equipment and the ice.
Adapting Technology for thick Ice
to map thick ice and enable wireless communication through it, current equipment must be adapted.researchers are focusing on defining the absorption and diffusion characteristics of waves through ice.This knowledge is crucial for developing new communication systems, algorithms, and protocols that can be applied to navigation and underwater drones for mapping beneath and through the ice.
The team sent waves ranging from 200 Hz to 18 kHz to determine the speed and distance of communication through the ice. They concentrated on frequency response, reverberation, and ambient noise levels. Promising results were achieved with cNODE and cPAP sensors operating at 10-15 kHz over a distance of 40 meters. The researchers also discovered that reinforced fiber connections can function in icy layers using a combination of radio frequencies and acoustic communications, extending up to 25 kilometers in water and ice.
Promising Results and Future prospects
these encouraging findings,along with results from another expedition and field tests conducted in the Svalbard archipelago last August,will now be analyzed by the research team. The insights gained from these studies coudl pave the way for more advanced sensor technologies, enhancing both safety and efficiency in Arctic navigation.
The Subzerospace program exemplifies the collaborative spirit and innovative drive of norwegian researchers and industrialists. By pushing the boundaries of sensor technology, they are not only addressing critical challenges in polar navigation but also positioning Norway at the forefront of Arctic exploration and growth.
For U.S. readers, this initiative underscores the global importance of arctic research and the potential for international collaboration in addressing shared challenges. As the Arctic becomes increasingly accessible, technologies like those developed by the Subzerospace program will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and enduring exploration.
In this exclusive interview,we sit down with Dr. Erik Solberg, a leading expert in Arctic sensor technology and a key contributor to the Subzerospace program. Dr. Solberg shares insights into how this groundbreaking initiative is transforming navigation and communication in icy waters, paving the way for safer and more efficient Arctic exploration.
The Vision Behind Subzerospace
Senior Editor: Dr. Solberg, thank you for joining us today. can you tell us more about the Subzerospace program and its vision for Arctic exploration?
Dr. Solberg: Thank you for having me. The Subzerospace program was launched in 2021 with the goal of revolutionizing navigation and communication in icy waters. Our primary focus is on adapting Kongsberg sensors to enable vessels to transmit data through ice, which is a significant challenge in polar regions. By doing so, we aim to improve maritime safety and enhance the mapping of remote Arctic zones.
Bridging the Gap in Icy Waters
Senior Editor: Traditional navigation in icy waters is fraught with risks.How does the introduction of acoustic sensors change the game?
Dr. Solberg: Absolutely. Traditional methods, despite the use of dedicated charts and the expertise of sailors, still leave room for error. Our acoustic sensors are designed for autonomous detection and avoidance of hazards, which promises to be a game-changer. These sensors can transmit data through ice, providing real-time information that enhances navigation safety and efficiency.
Field Research in Extreme Conditions
Senior Editor: You recently conducted field research at the Juvfonne glacier. Can you share some details about that experience?
Dr. Solberg: Certainly. Despite being mid-summer,the Juvfonne glacier provided an ideal testing ground for our sensors. We dug a 3.5-meter-deep hole in the snow to reach the ice and installed a small setup for sending signals. A hole in the ice wall, filled with water, allowed for acoustic connections between the equipment and the ice.This was a crucial step in understanding how our technology performs in such extreme conditions.
adapting Technology for Thick Ice
Senior Editor: What challenges did you face in adapting the technology for thick ice,and how did you overcome them?
Dr.Solberg: Adapting our equipment for thick ice required a deep understanding of wave absorption and diffusion characteristics. We conducted experiments with waves ranging from 200 Hz to 18 kHz to determine communication speed and distance through the ice. Promising results were achieved with cNODE and cPAP sensors operating at 10-15 kHz over a distance of 40 meters.We also discovered that reinforced fiber connections can function in icy layers using a combination of radio frequencies and acoustic communications, extending up to 25 kilometers in water and ice.
Promising Results and Future Prospects
Senior Editor: what are the next steps for the Subzerospace program, and how do you see this technology impacting Arctic exploration in the future?
Dr. Solberg: The encouraging findings from our field research,along with results from other expeditions,will be analyzed to pave the way for more advanced sensor technologies. These advancements will not only enhance safety and efficiency in Arctic navigation but also position Norway at the forefront of Arctic exploration. As the Arctic becomes increasingly accessible, technologies like ours will play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and enduring exploration, fostering international collaboration and growth.
Senior Editor: Thank you, Dr. Solberg, for sharing your insights.the Subzerospace program is truly a remarkable initiative, and we look forward to seeing its impact on Arctic exploration.
