DEPTHX

DEPTHX was a NASA-funded autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) developed by the University of Texas at Austin's Autonomous Robotics Group (ARG) and Stone Aerospace. Its primary mission was to explore and map the Cenotes Zapote, Zacatón, and La Pilita sinkholes in northern Mexico, specifically their underwater cave systems. DEPTHX was designed to operate independently, without human intervention or tethering, in these complex and challenging environments.

The vehicle was notable for its advanced 3D mapping capabilities using sonar, its autonomous navigation system, and its ability to collect water samples. It used a combination of sensors, including sonar, pressure sensors, and inertial measurement units (IMU), to create detailed maps of the cave systems. These maps helped scientists understand the geological formations and the microbial life within the cenotes.

DEPTHX’s design incorporated a buoyancy control system allowing it to navigate vertically and horizontally within the water column. Its robotic arm was designed to collect water samples from specific locations within the cenotes, enabling scientists to study the chemical and biological properties of the water at different depths and locations.

The data collected by DEPTHX provided valuable insights into the geology, hydrology, and microbial ecology of these unique underwater cave systems, contributing to a better understanding of life in extreme environments. The mission was also an important testbed for developing technologies that could be used in future explorations of other underwater environments, including those on other planets or moons.