Deploying Repeaters

Thursday, June 30, 2011
Preparing repeater for launch
Repeaters being kept cool

Repeaters being kept cool onboard the TE SubCom Dependable.

Preparing repeater for launch

A repeater is prepared for launch from the TE SubCom Dependable.

 

--Photo by Cecile Durand, University of Washington, onboard the TE SubCom Dependable

Still laying Segment 6 towards the west. The routine (for some) is interrupted by the passage of 2 repeaters through the system. These enormous amplifiers, metal bodies filled with technology, cool off on deck until ready to launch. They are treated as fragile glass balls by the crew while being lined up on the cable highway. It is quite a fun sight to see them lift up one by one the 20 wheels of the Linear Cable Engine on their way to the ocean. The installation team powers up the system and checks it on the way… all is well.
 

-----Cecile Durand, the OOI Regional Scale Nodes Marine Maintenance Manager at the University of Washington, from aboard the TE SubCom Dependable