X-Spar Test deployment:

Further development of the X-Spar moved from working prototype to test deployment from the R/V Neil Armstrong 1300 UTC on 19 November 2019, in between several CTD deployments. After deployment, the ship sailed to the 3000m isobath for other scientific activities, returning on 1630UTC 21 November to within 1 km of the X-Spar for additional CTD deployments until the X-Spar was recovered at 2000UTC. The wind and wave conditions during this time period in the region are shown in the figures on this page. Deployment occurred under conditions of strong swell, with significant wave heights of roughly 5 m, due to the storm which had just passed through the region. During the deployment, another storm swept through the area. These conditions allowed for an examination of the stability of the X-Spar to significant winds and waves, as well as an understanding of the importance of the wind versus surface currents in driving the X-Spar trajectory.