Software and Simulation Development for the Altex Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Program

The ALTEX AUV, its name derived from the Atlantic Layer Tracking Experiment, was designed to help scientists determine what happens to Atlantic water as it enters the Arctic Ocean. To create the desired Arctic survey capability, a number of technical challenges must be mastered. These include developing:1) An AUV capable of reliably operating fully autonomously for periods of up to two weeks. 2) A power source capable of driving a small vehicle at least 1000 km.3) Communication systems capable of being deployed from a small AUV, melting through the ice, and transmitting data back via satellite.4) Navigation systems capable of supporting extended high latitude AUV operations under ice.