Challenger Deep, where they obtained videos of the hydrothermal plume. Upon successful testing to , JAMSTEC’ ROV ABISMO became, briefly, the only full-ocean-depth rated ROV in existence. On 31 May 2009, the ABISMO was joined by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's HROV Nereus as the only two operational full ocean depth capable remotely operated vehicles in existence. During the ROV ABISMO's deepest sea trails dive its manometer measured a depth of ± in “Area 1” (vicinity of 12°43’ N, 143°33’ E). Leg 2, under chief scientist Takashi Murashima, operated at the Challenger Deep June 8–9, 2008, testing JAMSTEC's new full ocean depth “Free Fall Mooring System,” i.e. a lander. The lander was successfully tested twice to depth, taking video images and sediment samplings at , in the central basin of the Challenger Deep. See also References Further reading External links JAMSTEC's Kaikō page Wondering what this Mariana Trench is all about? Marine Biology: The Deep Sea – General resource on deep sea creatures Autonomous Benthic Explorer AUV (ABE) R.I.P. A.B.E: The pioneering Autonomous Benthic Explorer is lost at sea Deep sea fish Marine biology Research submarines of Japan Physical oceanography Remotely operated underwater vehicles Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology