ROV Hercules Upgrade: New Kraft Manipulator Arm
Although remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Hercules was first deployed more than 20 years old, each year upgrades of equipment keep the vehicle advancing new technology and functioning at the highest level for exploration. In the 2025 offseason, after decades of seafloor service, the ROV engineering team replaced Hercules' right arm with a new model, Kraft Predator manipulator. With seven-function control, over 79 inches of reach, and a lift capacity of 500 pounds, this arm sets the team up for science operations for many seasons ahead.
Mattingan: Mariana Arc Volcanic Exploration
E/V Nautilus will begin the 2025 season exploring the ocean of the Mariana Islands- one of the most tectonically and volcanically dynamic locations on the planet. This area is home to one of the most active arc volcanic systems on Earth with more than 60 submarine volcanoes, and a back-arc spreading center where new seafloor is created.
