A self-retracting reel for fiber and light-tether payout management from underwater vehicles or host platforms. The designed reel holds a communication tether, and an active drive system designed to maintain minimal but sustained tension on the tether at all times. The reel speed and direction is dictated by fluctuations in the tether tension and will pay in or out to maintain low-tension conditions which reduces entanglement risks, runaway tether payout, and facilitates tether recovery after deployment.
TRL: 6