SubC Imaging Supports OceanGate Expeditions in Making History During 2021 Titanic Expedition
SubC Imaging provided OceanGate Expeditions with a high-resolution 4K camera and advanced subsea lighting technology as it embarked on a multi-year scientific and archaeological survey of the RMS Titanic.
Overview
In 2021, OceanGate Expeditions began the first-ever year-over-year longitudinal study of the Titanic. The study seeks to gain an understanding of how quickly the wreck is deteriorating and what lifeforms make this unique artificial reef habitat their home. SubC supported the inaugural expedition by providing high-resolution camera and lighting equipment specially housed and designed to capture detailed imagery at great depths.
“OceanGate Expeditions’ Titanic Expedition is one of the most ambitious deepsea exploration initiatives SubC has been a part of over the years,” said Chad Collett, Sub Imaging Founder & CEO. “Working with the OceanGate crew has given SubC the opportunity to stretch and test our 4k Rayfin camera and Aquorea LEDs aboard the world’s only 5-crewmember submersible capable of reaching Titanic depths.”
2021 Titanic Expedition Goals
The 2021 Titanic Expedition was the first in a series of planned annual expeditions. The primary goals of the first expedition included:
Successfully reaching the wreck of the Titanic and completing an initial survey of the wreck and debris field that covers over 5 square miles.
Assemble a collection of high-resolution images and video of as much of the wreck as possible during the six-week expedition.
Give citizen explorers trained as Mission Specialists the opportunity to play active roles in capturing the video and images.
Return from the Titanic Expedition with images and video to reignite and drive interest in and awareness of what is happening in the deep ocean.
The Expedition
The wreck of the Titanic lies at 3800 meters (12,800 feet). The sun's visible light does not penetrate to this depth and the environment is completely dark. SubC Aquorea LEDs were mounted on Titan to provide the light needed for the 4k SubC Rayfin camera to capture high-definition footage and images of the deep-sea world.
The SubC advanced equipment was easy to use and performed consistently at depth. OceanGate Expeditions Mission Specialists were trained to use the SubC equipment and were thrilled with the imagery they captured. Mission Specialists captured images of Captain Smith’s bathtub, the Titanic’s enormous 4-story tall reciprocating engines, and the ship’s fallen mast. These images and footage will preserve the important maritime heritage site of the Titanic for generations to come.
OceanGate, Inc. consulted with NASA, Boeing, and the Applied Physics Lab at the University of Washington on the design and construction of their submersible known as Titan. Its pressure hull is a unique construction of aerospace grade carbon fiber and titanium.
During an interview with Advantage St. John’s, Rush said:
“SubC Imaging has pioneered the way subsea images are collected and we couldn’t be happier about this alliance as we embark on our survey expedition”.
OceanGate CEO, Stockton Rush, using SubC’s Rayfin Control Software in the Titan Submersible during the Titanic Expedition.
The 2021 Titanic Expedition Results
In 2021, SubC’s Rayfin camera and Aquorea LEDs captured high-resolution 4K footage of the Titanic shipwreck and debris field during OceanGate Expeditions inaugural Titanic Expedition. An impressive collection of stunning still images was also gathered. The resulting video and images will be reviewed and cataloged by underwater archaeologists and shared with the broader community.
The incredible image you see here was captured by our externally mounted 4K Rayfin Camera.
After six weeks of dives, the team at OceanGate Expeditions was thrilled with the results.
“The conclusion of the 2021 Titanic Survey Expedition marks the completion of our development program which began over six years ago. This inaugural deployment of the Titan submersible, its innovative launch and retrieval system, and its groundbreaking technology opens the door to expeditions and discoveries around the world,” said Stockton Rush, President, OceanGate Expeditions.
Future Study of the RMA Titanic
The OceanGate Expeditions crew is already preparing for this summer’s 2022 Titanic Expedition. They plan to utilize SubC Rayfin cameras and Aquorea LEDs once again.
“Our mission at SubC is to continue to innovate and improve the most technologically advanced and capable video equipment for the offshore and subsea markets,” continued Collett. “The opportunity to work with OceanGate on this expedition fits perfectly with our goal to capture the highest quality imagery possible in the extremely challenging subsea environment.”
The future is bright for OceanGate Expeditions, and we are excited to expand our partnership with them as they embark on future journeys!
