UPDATE: R/V Sikuliaq Launch
R/V Sikuliaq. Photo credit: Val Ihde Photography, NSF.
Yesterday, the National Science Foundation (NSF) successfully launched its new ship, the R/V Sikuliaq (pronounced see-KOO-lee-ack).
“R/V Sikuliaq is one of the most advanced research vessels in the world,” said NSF Director Subra Suresh. ”Its capabilities to operate in extreme ecosystems will serve the science and engineering research communities for decades to come, while providing opportunities for educators and students to learn first-hand about the Arctic environment.”
The name Sikuliaq (an Inupiat word meaning “young sea ice”) “reflects both our Alaska heritage as well as our focus on arctic research,” explained University of Alaska, Fairbanks Chancellor Brian Rogers.
Sikuliaq is scheduled to depart on its first science mission in 2014.
To learn more:
- Read the full press release from the NSF: National Science Foundation Launches Arctic Research Vessel
- Watch the following short video about the vessel
Video credit UAF/NSF.
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