To learn about climate quality, scientists turn to drones

A Saildrone Explorer un-crewed surface vehicle, or ocean drone, is prepared for launch at a dock, in Newport, R.I., on Dec 8, 2021. Three of the drones are to be launched on Dec 9, 2021, and are expected to travel along the Gulf Stream, collecting data in tough winter conditions that would be challenging for traditional ships with crews. — Saildrone/AP

Three ocean drones were launched from Rhode Island on Dec 9 and will travel along the Gulf Stream, collecting data in tough winter conditions that would be challenging for traditional ships with crews.

Saildrone, headquartered in Alameda, California, makes autonomous surface vehicles powered by the wind and sun to measure climate quality data and do mapping in remote oceans for scientists worldwide. The company launched the drones from Newport, Rhode Island, on a mission to sail the strong ocean currents in the North Atlantic for six months.