Another note of condolence wed like to share with you for the loss of Nereus. This one is from Charles Elachi, Director of NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It was with a heavy heart that I read about the loss of the Nereus submersible. The pioneering work of your institution has pushed the frontier of deep ocean exploration over the decades, and Nereus was a grand centerpiece for robotic capabilities in science and discovery. Few institutions around the globe understand the challenges, stress and range of emotions that come with success and failure in robotic exploration. From one institution to another, we here at JPL extend our condolences to you and your team. Echoing the grand vision of Teddy Roosevelt, our motto here at JPL is to Dare Mighty Things. To truly dare mighty things and push the frontier, failure has to be an option. The frontier is unforgiving, and all we can do is learn, retool and keep pushing forward. Many of the challenges JPL faces in the robotic exploration of our solar system have parallels to challenges your team faces with robotic systems in the deep ocean. As you move forward and rebuild, if we can be of any assistance, please let me know. Consider our resources and talent available to you. Exploration below and beyond is not for the faint of heart. I am sure that you and your great team will rise to the occasion. Best regards, Charles
Posted on: Mon, 19 May 2014 14:24:25 +0000