Abstract
The Inner Space Center (ISC) at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography is the hub for telepresence-enabled ocean exploration operations. Working closely with the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer and the Ocean Exploration Trust's E/V Nautilus and their remotely operated vehicle (ROV) systems, the ISC facilitates the ship-to-shore high bandwidth Internet2 connection through which all video, audio, and data are transmitted. The ISC employs students in science and engineering, video broadcast engineers, film/media producers, and outreach professionals who support the various scientific and educational efforts associated with the exploration programs. Telepresence based ocean exploration involves use of ISC Mission Control, a globally-distributed network of "exploration command centers", and the public Internet to enable scientists, educators, students, and others to participate and interact live while the ships are conducting survey or ROV operations. These remote users help with the decision-making process for instructing the shipboard teams about where to go and what to do during the course of the cruise leg. Other ISC operations include video and data management (including processing, archiving, and the development of data products) and facilitating the production of video broadcasts for live and recorded educational outreach programs.