Spray AUV Makes History Crossing Gulf Stream

While gratified to have their instrument complete its voyage, the developers of Spray are mindful that they are just at the start of a new era of autonomous ocean sampling made possible by microelectronics and satellite navigation and communication. "Oceanographic gliders are now at the stage similar to the start of aviation," Sherman said. "Today's accomplishments seem remarkable, but in years to come they will be commonplace, and one will wonder what the big deal was all about."

Learn more about Spray at WHOI's Ocean Library site and Scripp's Spray site.