Isis
In 1988 and 1989, Dr. Robert Ballard, searched with his Jason
Project team and underwater robot, Argo, for the Isis. The Isis, an
ancient Roman vessel from 355 A.D., was named after the Egyptian
godess of saliors. This sailing ship was on a cargo mission to take
precious goods from Africa back to Roman.
In 1989, Dr. Ballard used Argo, Hugo, and the ship Star Hercules
in another attempt to reach the Isis. First he sent down Hugo, a mini
garage for the high-tech underwater robot, Jason. Thus, the name the
Jason Project. Jason is a remotley - operated vehicle with a robotic
arm and video camera used for underwater exploration. Dr. Ballard's
first attempt with Jason was a disaster. The research team lost Hugo
and Jason when a cable snapped because of the rough sea between the
when the Mediterranean and Atlantic ocean meet near the country of
Spain.
Ballard used another one of his underwater robots, Medea, to
retrieve Hugo and Jason. These unmanned robots were lowered and
operated from the mother ship, the Star Hercules,of the mission.
This was not the last of the disasters of the Isis mission. As
soon as Hugo reached the surface Jason was accidentally released from
the garage. The Zodiac, an inflatable rubber boat, had to retrieve
Jason the waters.
The next attempt to relocate the Isis with Jason, was successful.
This gave the Jason Project team exploring this now found shipwreck
an opportunity to study ancient Egyptian artifacts.