The URI Inner Space Center (ISC) supports the NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer through telepresence, data distribution, video and live-streaming services. Since 2009, the ISC has managed the technical architecture that allows the ship to operate as a telepresence-enabled exploration platform. In 2025 the ISC started operating the shipboard network, data, and video systems through the OECI.

The ISC supports the Okeanos Explorer across four critical areas:

• Live Stream Transcoding and Distribution: The ISC receives high-definition video feeds broadcast from the ship’s satellite. The Center’s engineering team transcodes, downsamples, and distributes three simultaneous live camera feeds to standard internet channels, allowing anyone to view deep-sea ROV dives in real time.
• Technical and Multimedia Staffing: The ISC employs data, video, and web development specialists who work directly with NOAA Ocean Exploration. These personnel staff shoreside engineering watches and sail on the Okeanos Explorer to maintain the ship’s systems and website.
• Data and video repository and distribution: The ISC hosts a server for participants and partners to gain access to expedition data and video in near real-time. The Federal archive for the data and video, NOAA NCEI, receives data through the ISC. Video products for scientific annotation and public-facing access through YouTube are prepared and distributed by the ISC team.
• Shore-Based Science Support: The ISC serves as one of the primary shoreside Exploration Command Centers for NOAA. It provides the infrastructure including centralized, internet-based communication and data tools that allows shoreside scientists to collaborate directly with the shipboard crew and guide active research missions remotely.