India is preparing for a historic Deep Ocean Mission to explore and harness the uncharted depths of the ocean, an area filled with immense potential for scientific and economic benefits. Countries such as the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan have already conducted successful deep-ocean crewed missions.
About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)
The Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is a groundbreaking endeavor by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Its objective is to develop technologies and capabilities for deep-sea exploration, making it one of the nine tasks under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
Key Pillars of the Mission
1. Technological advancements for deep-sea mining and crewed submersibles
2. Ocean climate change advisory services
3. Innovations for deep-sea biodiversity exploration and conservation
4. Survey and exploration of deep-ocean minerals
5. Harvesting energy and freshwater from the ocean
6. Establishment of an advanced marine station for ocean biology
Major Advancement in DOM Objectives: Samudryaan and Matsya6000
Project Samudrayaan, initiated in 2021 by the MoES, is India’s prime deep ocean mission. With Samudrayaan, India is set to start on a revolutionary crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m at the Central Indian Ocean bed using Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible constructed from a titanium alloy designed to withstand pressures up to 6,000 bar.
Varaha- India’s Deep-Ocean Mining System
The National Institute of Ocean Technology, an autonomous institute under MoES, has conducted successful deep-sea locomotion trials using ‘Varaha,’ an underwater mining system, at a depth of 5,270 meters in the central Indian Ocean. This trial signifies a significant moment in deep-sea resource exploration.
Challenges in Deep Ocean Exploration
1. Oceanic Pressure Challenges: The high-pressure deep-sea conditions pose a serious challenge as they exert immense pressure on objects.
2. Equipment Design and Functionality: The harsh conditions necessitate meticulously designed equipment made from robust materials.
3. Challenges of Landing: The soft and muddy ocean bed surface makes it difficult for heavy vehicles to land or manoeuvre.
4. Material Extraction and Power Demands: Extracting materials from the ocean floor demands significant power and energy.
5. Other Compounded Challenges: Factors such as temperature variations, corrosion, salinity further complicate deep-sea exploration.
The United Nations ‘Decade of Ocean Science’
The United Nations designated 2021-2030 as the ‘Decade of Ocean Science’. This emphasizes the importance of deep-sea exploration in this era.
Way Forward
Some solutions to tackle challenges include biologically-inspired designs or Biomimicry, which could lead to structures and materials that are naturally suited to deep-sea conditions. Developing sustainable power sources to support long missions is also crucial. It might involve advancements in energy harvesting technologies like ocean thermal energy conversion, exploring tidal and wave energy’s potential. Multi-sensor integration and environmental impact consideration are also key aspects moving forward.
Concluding Thoughts
While deep ocean exploration presents a host of challenges, these can be mitigated through innovative approaches and responsible practices. By leveraging technological advancements and adopting sustainable methods, we can harness the immense potential held within the depths of our oceans.
