The Matsya-6000 deep-ocean submersible has successfully completed its wet test.Voice communication was disrupted due to the limited water depth in the port, but the wet test conducted confirmed that Matsya-6000 is on the right track for future demonstrations in deep waters.The success of the test at Kattupalli port has boosted confidence that the submersible will be ready for shallow water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 metres by the end of 2025.
Deep Ocean Mission
- DOM (Deep Ocean Mission) was approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in 2021 and aims to launch major initiatives for the study and resource exploitation of the deep parts of the ocean. The total cost of the mission is ₹4,077 crore, which will be spent in a phased manner over five years.
Six key pillars of DOM
- Development of technologies for deep sea mining: This includes building a manned submersible carrying three people to 6,000-metre deep ocean.
- Development of advisory services on ocean climate change: The plan is to provide climate predictions and analysis using ocean observations and models.
- Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep sea biodiversity: To promote exploration and protect biodiversity in the deep parts of the ocean.
- Deep sea survey and exploration: To identify potential sites of multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides mineralisation on the mid-ocean ridge of the Indian Ocean.
- Harnessing energy and fresh water from the ocean: To explore sources of energy and fresh water from the ocean.
- Establishment of advanced marine station: To establish an advanced marine station as a hub for innovations in marine biology and blue biotechnology to foster new opportunities and develop talent.
Importance
- Importance of Blue Economy in ‘New India 2030′ document: Blue economy has been identified as the sixth core objective for India’s development.
- ‘Decade of Ocean Science’ (2021-2030) by United Nations: The United Nations has declared the years 2021 to 2030 as the Decade of Ocean Science, focusing on ocean resources and climate change.
- DOM under Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC): DOM mission is one of the nine important missions under Prime Minister’s Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
- Sustainable Resource Harvesting: This mission is important for extracting valuable resources such as polymetallic nodules and polymetallic sulphides in a sustainable and environmentally safe manner.
Key Features of Matsya-6000 Submarine
Size and Design
- Matsya-6000 has a spherical hull with a diameter of 1 meter, which is specially designed to accommodate three persons. This structure is robust and effective for deep sea exploration and research.
Technology and Subsystems
- Main Ballast System: It is responsible for diving, which helps the satellite to descend into the deep sea.
- Thrusters: These are used for multidirectional movement, which enable the satellite to move in different directions.
- Battery Bank: The battery bank is arranged for power supply.
- Syntactic Foam: It is used for buoyancy, which helps the satellite to float in the sea.
Communication and Navigation
- Acoustic Modem: It works for underwater communication.
- Underwater telephone and VHF radio: These are used to ensure communication underwater and on the surface.
- Underwater acoustic positioning and GPS: These are used to track the exact position of the satellite.
Survival support system:
- This system monitors environmental conditions and provides necessary support to the crew during operations.
Oceanography and data collection:
- Sensors and underwater cameras: The satellite is fitted with oceanography-related sensors and underwater cameras, which help in collecting crucial data during deep-sea research.