Innovation Ecosystem in India

India to launch first Human Underwater Submersible (Deep-Sea Manned Vehicle)

Note4Students

From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :

Prelims level: Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

Why in the News?

India is set to launch its first human underwater submersible (deep-sea manned vehicle) in 2025, marking a significant achievement in the country’s scientific and technological journey.

About the Submersible:

  • The submersible will initially operate at a depth of 500 meters, with the goal of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters by next year.
  • Part of the Deep Ocean Mission, the initiative focuses on exploring untapped underwater resources and advancing India’s blue economy.
  • The submersible is being developed using 100% indigenous technology, demonstrating India’s commitment to self-reliance in advanced science and innovation.
  • The mission aims to unlock vast underwater resources, including: Critical minerals, Rare metals and undiscovered marine biodiversity.

About the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM):

  • DOM is an ambitious initiative by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) approved in 2021 to develop technologies for deep-sea exploration.
  • Part of the 9 missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).

Important updates in DOM: Samudrayaan and Matsya6000:

  • Launched in 2021 under DOM, Samudrayaan is India’s flagship crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m in the Central Indian Ocean.
  • The mission will utilize Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed for a three-member crew.
    • Construction: Made from titanium alloy to endure pressures up to 6,000 bar.

India’s Ocean Exploration Milestones:

  • 1981: Ocean studies began with a program on polymetallic nodules (PMN) initiated at CSIR-NIO, marked by the collection of the first nodule sample from the Arabian Sea aboard the research vessel Gaveshani.
  • 1987: India became the first country to receive Pioneer Investor status from the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
    • Allocated 1.5 lakh km² in the Central Indian Ocean Basin (CIOB) for nodule exploration, based on extensive surveys by CSIR-NIO.
  • 2002: India signed a contract with the ISA; after resource analysis, surrendered 50% of the allotted area, retaining 75,000 km².
  • Further studies narrowed the mining area to 18,000 km², identified as the First Generation Mine-site.

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