India recently conducted deep-sea dives in the Atlantic Ocean as part of preparations for the Samudrayaan Project. This ambitious initiative aims to send humans to depths of 6,000 metres by 2027. Two Indian aquanauts descended to over 5,000 metres, testing technologies and gaining vital experience. This marks step in India’s pursuit of deep-sea exploration and the blue economy.
Objectives of the Samudrayaan Project
The project is a key component of the Deep Ocean Mission approved in 2021. Its goals include developing crewed submersibles, underwater robotics, and deep-sea mining technologies. It aims to explore ocean mineral resources such as polymetallic nodules rich in nickel, cobalt, and rare earth metals. The mission also focuses on ocean climate monitoring, biodiversity conservation, and the extraction of energy and freshwater from the sea. The project supports India’s broader vision of harnessing ocean resources for economic growth.
Development of the Matsya-6000 Submersible
Matsya-6000 is the specially designed vehicle for carrying aquanauts to extreme depths. It features a 2.1-metre diameter personnel sphere to house three humans for up to 12 hours, with emergency life support for 96 hours. The sphere will be made from a titanium alloy 80 mm thick to withstand pressures 600 times that at sea level. Precision fabrication using electron beam welding is critical to ensure safety. Initial tests used a steel sphere at shallower depths, but titanium is essential for the full 6,000-metre dive.
Challenges in Deep-Sea Exploration
Deep-sea conditions are extremely harsh. The vessel must resist immense pressure and maintain a stable internal environment. Life-support systems regulate oxygen and carbon dioxide using scrubbers and re-breather oxygen systems. Aquanauts face physical and psychological challenges, including restricted movement and limited access to facilities. Communication uses acoustic telephones since radio waves cannot penetrate water at such depths. India developed its own acoustic communication technology overcoming environmental obstacles like temperature and salinity.
Significance for India and Global Ocean Research
India will join a select group of nations with deep-sea human exploration capabilities. The project strengthens India’s position in ocean science and technology. It also advances the blue economy by enabling access to untapped marine resources. The knowledge gained will support sustainable ocean management and climate change studies. Collaboration with agencies like ISRO marks the interdisciplinary nature of the mission.
Questions for UPSC:
- Discuss the strategic and economic importance of deep-sea exploration for India in the context of the blue economy.
- Critically examine the technological challenges faced in developing crewed submersibles for deep-sea missions and how these can be overcome.
- Explain the role of ocean biodiversity conservation in sustainable development and how deep ocean missions contribute to it.
- With suitable examples, discuss the impact of oceanic climate change on global weather patterns and the importance of ocean monitoring systems.
