DescriptionFIRST NUCLEAR-POWERED DEEP-SEA WEATHER STATION began unattended operation in the Gulf of Mexico in February 1964. Because frequent and accurate weather information is vital to effective Naval operations, the Navy has for some time been developing automatic weather stations which are mounted in small NOMAD (Navy Oceanographic Meteorological Automatic Device) boats moored at sea. Previous stations were powered by batteries that were recharged about every six months. Because the weather station regularly transmits its data for only two minutes and 20 seconds every 3 hours, batteries are used to store the electricity produced continuously by the 60-watt generator, designated SNAP-7D. Power from the generator is also used to light a navigation beacon to alert passing ships. The nuclear-powered station includes a 20-foot by 10-foot powered boat, meteorological equipment, electronic apparatus, and the power supply.
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