8-Pound
Swimming Video Camera Survives Gator Attack at NASA/Kennedy Space
Center
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Exton, PA., January 10, 2000 - VideoRay today announced that its
8-pound ROV (remotely operated vehicle) can withstand new a new
form of pressure testing - a crush from the jaws of a Florida alligator.
The VideoRay ROV-- a small, remote-control, video-equipped submersible
used for underwater inspections -- went tether-to-teeth with the
alligator when a NASA/Kennedy Space Center employee was scouting
out shallow waters near the launch pad for the Space Shuttle.
Hazardous Duty Robotics Specialist Steve Van Meter was using VideoRay
to investigate locations for a video camera to monitor fish movements
in the waters of the NASA/Kennedy Space Center. Used for many kinds
of underwater exploration, VideoRay moves stealthily through the
water like many sea creatures at up to 2 knots and displays real-time
color video of its surroundings.
"The ROV bumped into the alligator's tail. Before we could
move it out of the way, he [the alligator] grabbed the tether and
began working his way forward to the ROV," said Van Meter.
"I tried to get the gator's attention, but he was only interested
in the ROV."
According to Van Meter, the alligator traveled for about 50 feet
with the tether in his jaws. " I was glad the tether was coiled
loosely on the ground near the water. When he took off, it was at
a high speed. If the tether had not played out smoothly, I'm sure
the alligator would have cut it completely and we may have lost
the ROV."
After a few minutes, the gator released his grip and the VideoRay
sub floated up. Van Meter quickly pulled the VideoRay back to land.
The only damage was a small cut in the tether cover and a broken
bulb in the right side light.
"Bottom line: we were lucky more damage was not done, and
really lucky to have been using the machine instead of a person
in the water," said Van Meter. "The gator was about 10
feet long and very heavy. He would have been a tough guy to fight
off."
See the VideoRay ROV at the Underwater Intervention 2001 show from
January 15-17, 2001 at the Convention Center in Tampa. Roper Resources
of Ojai, California provided the VideoRay ROV to NASA/Kennedy Space
Center.
Photos to accompany this article available at
www.videoray.com/Press_Room/nasagator_photos.htm.
For Comments:
Steve Van Meter, Hazardous Duty Robotics Specialist, NASA/Kennedy
Space Center, FL
PH: 321-867-7287
email: steven.vanmeter-1@ksc.nasa.gov
Scott Bentley, President, VideoRay LLC
400 Eagleview Boulevard
Exton, PA 19341 USA
PH: 610-458-3001
e-mail: scott.bentley@videoray.com
www.videoray.com
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