Source: IE
Context:
Two Indian aquanauts recently dived over 5,000 metres in the Atlantic Ocean aboard the French submersible Nautile. The mission was part of training for India’s upcoming Samudrayaan Project under the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
About Samudrayaan Project:
- What it is: India’s first manned deep-sea mission, approved in 2021.
- Aim: Explore the ocean up to 6,000 metres depth for resources, biodiversity, and climate studies.
- Nodal Agency: National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
Established in:
- Approved by Union Cabinet in 2021.
- Budget: â‚ą4,077 crore for five years.
Aims and Objectives:
- Develop deep-sea technologies (crewed submersibles, robotic vehicles, mining systems).
- Survey polymetallic nodules rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements.
- Create ocean climate advisory models for research.
- Support India’s blue economy policy through sustainable marine resource harnessing.
- Study and conserve deep-sea biodiversity.
Key Features:
- Vehicle: Matsya-6000 (crewed submersible, shaped like a large fish).
- Capacity: 3 aquanauts, 12-hour missions (up to 96 hours in emergencies).
- Design: 2.1 m titanium alloy personnel sphere (80 mm thickness), fabricated with ISRO’s electron beam welding.
- Safety: Pressure resistance at ~600 times sea level.
- Life-support: Oxygen scrubbers, re-breather systems, and acoustic telephone communication.
- Depth Capability: 6,000 metres.
Other Related Initiatives:
- Deep Ocean Mission (DOM): Umbrella scheme with six components, including Samudrayaan.
- Polymetallic Nodule Programme: India has mining rights in the Central Indian Ocean Basin, granted by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
- Blue Economy Policy: Integrates sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth and environmental balance.
