Samudrayaan Mission: India’s Dive into Deep Ocean Exploration

Context:

Published on March 31, 2025, this article details India’s Samudrayaan Mission, a pioneering effort under the Deep Ocean Mission to explore the ocean’s depths using the indigenously developed Matsya-6000 submersible. It highlights India’s advancements in marine technology and its strategic goals in deep-sea resource exploration, positioning the country among global leaders in ocean science.

Key Information in Points:

• Samudrayaan Mission Overview:
• • India’s first manned deep ocean mission aimed at exploring deep-sea minerals.
  • Falls under the broader Deep Ocean Mission, launched to enhance ocean exploration capabilities.
• Matsya-6000 Development:
• • A manned submersible designed to carry three people to a depth of 6,000 meters.
  • Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
  • Features a titanium alloy personnel sphere, 2.1 meters in diameter, built to withstand extreme pressure.
• Testing Milestones:
• • Successfully completed wet tests and multiple manned dives in the Bay of Bengal.
  • In February 2025, wet testing was conducted off Chennai’s coast, reaching depths to search for underwater minerals.
• Operational Capabilities:
• • Endurance of 12 hours under normal conditions, extendable to 96 hours in emergencies.
  • Equipped with scientific sensors and tools for detailed deep-sea exploration.
• Strategic Significance:
• • Positions India among six nations (US, Russia, Japan, France, China) with manned deep-sea expedition capabilities beyond 5,000 meters.
  • Supports the Blue Economy by exploring resources like polymetallic nodules for clean energy and mineral extraction.
• Global Context:
• • China’s recent unveiling of a deep-sea cable-cutting device highlights the competitive landscape of submersible technology, with China operating the world’s largest fleet.
• Deep-Sea Mining Insights:
• • Targets polymetallic nodules (manganese, nickel, cobalt, copper) at depths of 1,000-5,500 meters, crucial for electronics, batteries, and solar panels.
  • India allocated a 75,000 km² site in the Central Indian Ocean Basin by the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
• Environmental Considerations:
• • Mining risks include ecosystem disruption, sediment plumes, noise pollution, and potential damage to oxygen-producing nodules, as noted in a 2023 study.
• Mission Timeline:
• • Launched in October 2021, with Matsya-6000’s first manned mission scheduled for 2026.

Key Terms:

• Samudrayaan Mission: India’s initiative to send humans into the deep ocean for exploration and resource study.
• Matsya-6000: Indigenous submersible designed for manned deep-sea missions up to 6,000 meters.
• Deep Ocean Mission: Government program to advance ocean research and resource extraction.
• National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT): Chennai-based institute developing marine exploration technology.
• Polymetallic Nodules: Mineral-rich deposits on the seabed, vital for green technology.
• International Seabed Authority (ISA): UN body regulating deep-sea mining in international waters.
• Blue Economy: Economic activities leveraging ocean resources sustainably.

Link To The Original Article – https://indianexpress.com/article/upsc-current-affairs/upsc-essentials/knowledge-nugget-samudrayaan-matsya-deep-ocean-upsc-prelims-2025-9916414/