Redwing Glider Begins Historic Global Ocean Mission

Posted to Marine Technology Sponsored (by Teledyne Marine ) on October 27, 2025

Teledyne’s Sentinel Mission launches world-first autonomous ocean circumnavigation

Teledyne Redwing glider being launched into the water during the Sentinel Mission kickoff

Launch day in Woods Hole, Massachusetts: Redwing enters the water to begin its global journey.

On October 10, 2025, a new chapter in ocean exploration began in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, as Teledyne Marine, in partnership with Rutgers University, NOAA, the Marine Technology Society, and the UN Ocean Decade, officially launched the Sentinel Mission—a bold, global expedition led by the autonomous underwater glider, Redwing.

Much like Amelia Earhart’s pioneering flight inspired generations of aviators, Redwing’s journey marks the first-ever autonomous underwater circumnavigation of the globe. This mission is not only a technological milestone but also a call to action for ocean stewardship, climate resilience, and scientific collaboration.

“Redwing will silently navigate the world’s oceans—down to 1000 meters—returning a continuous stream of temperature, salinity, oxygen, and current data to scientists and educators worldwide.”

Mission Overview

The Sentinel Mission centers on Redwing, a Slocum Sentinel glider developed by Teledyne Webb Research. This energy-efficient, long-duration autonomous vehicle will collect high-resolution data on key variables that inform and validate global ocean models, enhance climate forecasting, and support maritime domain awareness.

Over the course of its ~73,000 km (45,360 mile) journey, Redwing will traverse multiple ocean basins with anticipated waypoints including the Falklands, Brazil, the Caribbean, New Zealand, and Australia. The planned track intersects major ocean currents, offering unprecedented insights into ocean health and biodiversity.

Global Collaboration and Outreach

The Sentinel Mission is a model of international cooperation. Academic and research institutions across the globe are contributing to mission planning, data stewardship, and analysis. A robust education and outreach program will engage students from K–12 through interactive learning modules, real-time mission tracking, and classroom content.

Technology and Innovation

Powered by Teledyne’s proven glider technology—deployed for more than a decade in oceanography, defense, offshore energy, and environmental monitoring—Redwing combines endurance and autonomy to reach remote environments for months at a time.