Breakthrough NPS Research Pioneers Ocean’s First Persistent Acoustic Data Collection Technology

In an impressive stride for oceanographic research, the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) has successfully developed the Persistent Smart Acoustic Profiler (PSAP) Voyager. This autonomous underwater drone, first deployed off the coast of Kona, Hawaii, in November 2024, is providing substantial data collections for NPS student research.

Retired U.S. Navy Cmdr. John Joseph, a researcher in the NPS Department of Oceanography, spearheaded the project, which is funded by the school’s Consortium for Unmanned Systems Education and Research (CRUSER), under the sponsorship of the Office of Naval Research. His efforts highlight the Navy’s strategic emphasis on stealth and acoustic monitoring.

Joseph acknowledges the pivotal role of Yi Chao, CEO of Seatrec, in inspiring the project. Chao’s innovative energy-harvesting technology enables the PSAP Voyager to undertake prolonged missions without the need for retrieval, offering continuous real-time data collection capabilities.

NPS has long been acclaimed for its applied research expertise in challenging environments. The PSAP Voyager distinguishes itself by harvesting energy from ocean temperature differences, thus maintaining operation and data transmission without interruption. This capability significantly reduces the costs and logistical challenges traditionally associated with ocean monitoring.

“PSAP Voyager can potentially transmit acoustic information endlessly without needing retrieval or maintenance,” Joseph explained. This breakthrough not only enhances the efficiency of long-term monitoring but also supports robust student research opportunities through its ongoing operational test.

The gathered data is set to be a cornerstone for student research projects, particularly within the fields of undersea warfare and meteorology and oceanography. Joseph emphasizes the vast naval applications of passive acoustic listening, which is crucial for operations like undersea detection and marine mammal monitoring.

The autonomy of the PSAP Voyager provides strategic insights with minimal logistical support, a feature experts like Yi Chao believe revolutionizes underwater research. “Untethering hydrophones with the PSAP Voyager brings almost limitless monitoring capabilities with extraordinary cost-effectiveness,” said Chao.

The PSAP Voyager’s advancements are likely to augment maritime domain awareness and refine oceanographic models integral to enhanced sonar system performance. However, it is essential to note that this news article does not suggest any endorsement of Seatrec or its offerings by the Naval Postgraduate School or related defense entities.