Jason (ROV)

Jason is a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) owned and operated by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). It is a deep-sea robot used by scientists around the world to explore the ocean depths, collect samples, and perform experiments in environments inaccessible to humans. Jason is tethered to its support vessel, Atlantis (or other research vessels), via a cable that provides power and allows for the transmission of data and video.

The ROV is equipped with a variety of scientific instruments, including high-resolution cameras, robotic arms, sensors for measuring temperature, salinity, and other environmental parameters, and tools for collecting geological and biological samples. Jason's manipulators allow it to interact with the seafloor and perform tasks such as collecting rocks, sediment, and marine organisms.

Jason is often deployed in conjunction with its autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) counterpart, Medea. Medea acts as a "garage" and communication hub for Jason, allowing it to explore areas farther away from the surface vessel.

The ROV Jason has been instrumental in numerous oceanographic discoveries, including the exploration of hydrothermal vents, shipwrecks (such as the Titanic), and deep-sea ecosystems. Its ability to provide real-time video and data from the ocean floor has significantly advanced our understanding of the deep ocean environment.