In 1968, a National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) plane carrying two pilots and a graduate student disappeared over Lake Superior. 55 years later, the search for the missing plane is still on. Led by the Smart Ships Coalition, a large area search mission will take place on Monday, September 9th and will launch from Michigan Technological University in Houghton, MI.
The search of the area in Western Lake Superior, adjacent to the Keweenaw Peninsula, will double as a technology demonstration and mapping opportunity to showcase the capabilities of the Automated Surface Vessel (ASV) and bathymetric surveys. As the Ocean Infinity’s Armada 8 (A8) (pictured above) cruises the mission area, mapping will be conducted via Norbit ultra-high-resolution 3D bathymetric sonar system. The addition of the Norbit technology will allow for the intake and display of real-time high-definition bathymetric images.
In addition to data intake and storage, post mission, GLOS will be streaming the event LIVE. Beginning 3:30PM ET on Monday September 9th, GLOS’ CIO Tim Kearns will check in with mission crew and onsite experts. The coverage will continue Tuesday, September 10th at 12PM ET, with additional checkins at 2PM ET and 3:30PM ET. Depending on what may be discovered, the mission will extend throughout the whole week, yet additional live video checkins will be on a ‘when needed’ basis after Tuesday.
To follow along with the mission and see the mapping data come in real-time, visit the GLOS YouTube page . Additionally, we will have daily summaries on the event page every morning
For more information:
- Smart Ships Coalition
- Great Lakes St Lawrence Governors & Premiers
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