“Seen & Heard” is a monthly feature of GPS World magazine, traveling the world to capture interesting and unusual news stories involving the GNSS/PNT industry.
Autonomous vessel completes sea trials in Norway
Photo: Kongsberg Maritime
The Reach Remote 1, an uncrewed surface vessel developed by Reach Subsea in partnership with Kongsberg Maritime and Massterly, has been officially delivered after extensive sea trials overseen by Det Norske Veritas and the Norwegian Maritime Authority. This 24 m vessel is equipped with advanced hull-mounted survey sensors and a Work Class Electric ROV, designed to enhance subsea operations by improving efficiency, safety and environmental sustainability.
ESA in search of very low-Earth orbit technologies
Photo: VLEO
The European Space Agency (ESA) is seeking innovative space application ideas for very low-Earth orbit (VLEO), an orbital region between 100 km and 450 km. This initiative aims to explore new frontiers in space technology by soliciting creative solutions from researchers and innovators. ESA said VLEO presents several advantages, including reduced launch costs, enhanced Earth observation capabilities and a more harmless radiation environment. ESA is particularly interested in proposals addressing technological challenges specific to this orbital regime, such as atmospheric drag mitigation, advanced propulsion techniques and specialized satellite designs.
Car tracking leads to successful arrest
Photo: StarChase
The Pinole, Calif., Police Department utilized the StarChase GPS-based tracking system to safely apprehend suspects in a stolen vehicle. Instead of engaging in a dangerous high-speed chase, officers launched a GPS-enabled tracker that stuck to the vehicle, offering real-time location tracking. The Pinhole Police Department told The Richmond Standard, “This operation highlights how technology and collaboration keep our community safe — by reducing the dangers of high-speed pursuits while ensuring accountability and swift action.”
3D mapping of New Zealand coastline
Photo: nazar_ab / E+ / Getty Images
New Zealand has launched a coastal mapping project to help communities understand and mitigate climate change impacts. Led by Toitū Te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, the initiative will use lidar technology to create detailed 3D maps of up to 40% of the country’s coastline throughout three years. The $ 30.2 million project involves mapping 4,780 square km of coastal and seafloor terrain using specially equipped planes with high-resolution scanning equipment. Two suppliers, Woolpert NZ and NV5 Geospatial, will conduct the mapping across the North and South Islands, beginning in regions such as the Bay of Plenty and Invercargill.
<p>The post Seen & Heard: Autonomous sea vessel completes trial, car tracking leads to arrest and more first appeared on GPS World.</p>
