ORCA enlarged with 4 new detection units

12 December 2022 – During a sea campaign performed last week, ORCA has been enlarged by means of 4 new detection units. This brings the total of detection units deployed in ORCA to 15, comprising more than 7,500 photomultipliers.

The operation was performed with the Castor ship of Foselev, for deployment of the detection units, and with the Janus II of SAAS (formerly Comex), equipped with a deep-sea remotely operated vehicle, for submarine operations.

The KM3NeT Collaboration congratulates the crews on the two ships, the team who performed careful checks from the shore station during the campaign, and all the teams who contributed to the construction of the detection units, for the success of the operation.

One of the ORCA detection units starting its journey from the Castor to the sea floor, 2500 m below. In the background is the Janus II.

 

Sonar map of ORCA, showing 14 detection units (the 15th one is beyond the boundary of the map). The 4 in the bottom part of the picture are the new ones installed.