Samudrayaan/Deep Ocean Mission: News & Updates
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- Start date
Construction of this thing is ongoing:
They have started testing the rescue vehicle for this submersible.
India in undersea race to mine world’s battery metal
21 March 2024
By Navin Singh Khadka, Environment correspondent, BBC World Service
India is taking another step in its quest to find valuable minerals hidden in the depths of the ocean which could hold the key to a cleaner future. The country, which already has two deep-sea exploration licences in the Indian Ocean, has applied for two more amid increasing competition between major global powers to secure critical minerals.By Navin Singh Khadka, Environment correspondent, BBC World Service
Countries including China, Russia and India are vying to reach the huge deposits of mineral resources - cobalt, nickel, copper, manganese - that lie thousands of metres below the surface of oceans. These are used to produce renewable energy such as solar and wind power, electric vehicles and battery technology needed to battle against climate change.
India's deep-sea exploration vessel Matsya 6000, which is currently under development
The UN-affiliated International Seabed Authority (ISA) has issued 31 exploration licences so far, of which 30 are active. Its member countries are meeting in Jamaica this week to discuss regulations around giving out mining licences.
If the ISA approves India's new applications, its licence count will be equal to that of Russia and one less than China.
One of India's applications seeks to explore polymetallic sulphides - chimney-like mounds near hydrothermal vents containing copper, zinc, gold and silver - in the Carlsberg Ridge of the Central Indian Ocean. The ISA's legal and technical commission has sent a list of comments and questions about this to the Indian government, according to a document seen by the BBC.
In response to the other application - to explore the cobalt-rich ferromanganese crusts of the Afanasy-Nikitin Seamount in the Central Indian Ocean - the commission has noted that another unnamed country has claimed the seabed area (that India has applied for) as part of their extended continental shelf and asked India for a response. Whatever the outcome of the applications, one thing is clear: India does not want to fall behind in the race to secure critical minerals from the bottom of the oceans. "The Indian Ocean promises tremendous potential reserves and that expanse has motivated the government of India to increase its scientific exploration of the ocean's depths," says Nathan Picarsic, co-founder of Horizon Advisory, a US-based geopolitical and supply chain intelligence provider.
India, China, Germany and South Korea already have exploration licences for polymetallic sulphides in the Indian Ocean ridge area.
In 2022, India's National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) conducted trials of its mining machine at a depth of 5,270m in the central Indian Ocean basin and collected some polymetallic nodules (potato-shaped rocks that lie on the seafloor and are rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel, and copper).
India's earth sciences ministry did not respond to the BBC's questions on the country's deep-sea mining plans.
"India may be ultimately seeking to project that it is a powerhouse in its own right, one that is not to be outrivalled in its own backyard, as well as to give the impression that it is not lagging behind the Chinese when it comes to the deep sea," says Pradeep Singh, who works on ocean governance at the Research Institute for Sustainability in Potsdam, Germany.
In 2022, India collected some polymetallic nodules from the Indian Ocean as part of a trial
The US is not part of the race to mine international waters as it has not ratified the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, the agreement which led to the creation of the ISA. Instead, it aims to source minerals from its domestic seabed and process ones mined by its allies from international waters.
Supporters of deep seabed exploration say that mining on land has almost reached a saturation point, resulting in low-quality production, and that many of the mineral source-areas are plagued by conflict or environmental issues. But environmental campaigners say the deep seabed is the last frontier in the planet that remains largely unstudied and untouched by humanity and mining there could cause irreparable damage, no matter how pressing the need.
Around two dozen countries - including the UK, Germany, Brazil and Canada - are also demanding either a halt or a temporary pause on deep-sea mining, given what they say is a lack of information about the marine ecosystems in those depths.
The World Bank has projected that extraction of critical minerals will need to increase fivefold by 2050 to meet the demand for clean energy technologies. India has a short-term target of increasing its renewables capacity to 500 gigawatts by 2030, and meeting 50% of its energy requirements from renewables by then, with the long-term goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2070.
To meet these targets, experts say India will need to secure critical minerals from all possible sources including the deep seabed.
Currently, a few countries dominate the production of critical minerals on land. Australia is a major producer of lithium, while Chile is the top provider of copper. China predominantly produces graphite and rare earths (used in smartphones and computers). But there are geopolitical concerns about China's dominance in processing these minerals before they enter the supply chain.
China - which has honed processing technologies and expertise over decades - currently controls 100% of the refined supply of natural graphite and dysprosium, 70% of cobalt and almost 60% of all processed lithium and manganese, according to the International Renewable Energy Agency. Moreover, Beijing has banned the export of some of its processing technologies.
"We are up against a dominant supplier that is willing to weaponise market power for political gain," US energy secretary Jennifer Granholm said at a critical minerals and clean energy summit in August 2023.
It's to counter China that the US and several western countries launched the Minerals Security Partnership - to catalyse "investment in responsible critical minerals supply chains" - in 2022. India is now a member. India has also signed an agreement with Russia to develop deep-sea mining technologies.
"The confluence of rising geopolitical tensions and the energy transition is speeding up the scramble to extract, process and utilise critical minerals," Mr Picarsic says.
India in undersea race to mine world’s battery metal
The country has applied for two new licences to explore the deep seabed in parts of the Indian Ocean.
www.bbc.com
India's deep sea mining trials: Varaha-3 collects polymetallic nodules in Andaman Sea
India Today Science Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Oct 4, 2024, 09:30 IST
These nodules are rich in essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper, which are crucial for various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicle production.
The seabed mining machine Varaha-3 ahead of deployment. (Photo: NIOT)
In Short
The locations for these trials were previously surveyed and identified by the Geological Survey of India, highlighting the potential for valuable mineral resources beneath the ocean floor.
During the trials, Varaha-3 operated at a depth of 1,193 meters, where it collected polymetallic nodules ranging in size from 60 to 120 mm.
Nodules of sizes 60 - 120 mm were collected from one of the locations at depths of 1193 m. (Photo: NIOT)
These nodules are rich in essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper, which are crucial for various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicle production. The successful collection of these nodules marks a significant step forward in India's deep-sea mining capabilities.
The Varaha-3 machine is part of India's broader efforts to develop advanced technology for deep-sea exploration and resource extraction. It is designed to operate in challenging underwater conditions and is capable of efficiently collecting nodules from the seabed while minimizing environmental impact.
This aligns with India's commitment to sustainable practices in ocean resource management.
The exploratory trials not only demonstrate the technical capabilities of Varaha-3 but also pave the way for future commercial mining operations.
The Indian government has invested significantly in deep-sea mining technology as part of its Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to explore and utilize oceanic resources responsibly.
As part of this mission, NIOT is also working on an integrated mining system that will enhance the efficiency of nodule extraction and transportation to surface vessels. This includes developing systems that can crush the nodules in situ and pump them to waiting ships through flexible riser systems.
The successful trials in the Andaman Sea represent a crucial milestone for India's ambitions in deep-sea mining.
With ongoing research and development, India aims to become a leader in sustainable seabed resource extraction while contributing to global efforts to meet rising demand for critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies.
India's deep sea mining trials: Varaha-3 collects polymetallic nodules in Andaman Sea
India Today Science Desk
New Delhi, UPDATED: Oct 4, 2024, 09:30 IST
These nodules are rich in essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper, which are crucial for various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicle production.
The seabed mining machine Varaha-3 ahead of deployment. (Photo: NIOT)
In Short
- Varaha-3 operated at a depth of 1,193 meters
- It collected polymetallic nodules ranging in size from 60 to 120 mm.
- It's part of India's broader efforts to develop advanced technology for deep-sea exploration
The locations for these trials were previously surveyed and identified by the Geological Survey of India, highlighting the potential for valuable mineral resources beneath the ocean floor.
During the trials, Varaha-3 operated at a depth of 1,193 meters, where it collected polymetallic nodules ranging in size from 60 to 120 mm.
Nodules of sizes 60 - 120 mm were collected from one of the locations at depths of 1193 m. (Photo: NIOT)
These nodules are rich in essential metals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper, which are crucial for various industries, including renewable energy and electric vehicle production. The successful collection of these nodules marks a significant step forward in India's deep-sea mining capabilities.
The Varaha-3 machine is part of India's broader efforts to develop advanced technology for deep-sea exploration and resource extraction. It is designed to operate in challenging underwater conditions and is capable of efficiently collecting nodules from the seabed while minimizing environmental impact.
This aligns with India's commitment to sustainable practices in ocean resource management.
The exploratory trials not only demonstrate the technical capabilities of Varaha-3 but also pave the way for future commercial mining operations.
The Indian government has invested significantly in deep-sea mining technology as part of its Deep Ocean Mission, which aims to explore and utilize oceanic resources responsibly.
As part of this mission, NIOT is also working on an integrated mining system that will enhance the efficiency of nodule extraction and transportation to surface vessels. This includes developing systems that can crush the nodules in situ and pump them to waiting ships through flexible riser systems.
The successful trials in the Andaman Sea represent a crucial milestone for India's ambitions in deep-sea mining.
With ongoing research and development, India aims to become a leader in sustainable seabed resource extraction while contributing to global efforts to meet rising demand for critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies.
India's deep sea mining trials: Varaha-3 collects polymetallic nodules in Andaman Sea
Samudrayaan mission to be piloted by retired Indian Navy submariner
The crew for this groundbreaking mission will consist of three members, one of whom is confirmed to be a retired Indian Navy submariner.
By Sibu Tripathi
New Delhi, UPDATED: Oct 7, 2024, 13:17 IST
Samudrayaan Mission's Matsya-6000 submersible getting ready for wet test. (Photo: India Today/Sibu Tripathi)
India is gearing up for its ambitious Samudrayaan mission, which aims to explore the depths of the ocean with its first manned submersible, Matsya-6000.
The mission is set to undergo its maiden wet test in the final week of October, where scientists and engineers at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will evaluate the submersible's flotation, buoyancy, and life support systems.
This critical phase marks a significant step in the development of Matsya-6000, which is designed to dive to depths of 6,000 meters below sea level.
The crew for this groundbreaking mission will consist of three members, one of whom is confirmed to be a retired Indian Navy submariner.
The final selection of crew members is expected to be completed within the next two to three months. (Photo: India Today/Sibu Tripathi)
This former naval officer, whose name will be revealed at a later time, has joined NIOT as a scientist, post-retirement, and will contribute significantly to the training and preparedness for the mission. His experience, according to sources in the NIOT, includes working with the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle during his tenure in the Navy, providing him with invaluable expertise for operating the submersible.
NIOT is currently in the process of selecting the remaining two crew members, who may either come from the Indian Navy or be scientists from the institute.
The screening process is being conducted by the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). Once selected, the crew will undergo a rigorous training module at the INM for two weeks, followed by specialized training in the Matsya-6000 cockpit to familiarize themselves with its design and technology.
This will be complemented by submarine pilot training in an international location that is yet to be finalized.
The final selection of crew members is expected to be completed within the next two to three months.
WET TEST PREP UNDERWAY
NIOT is also preparing for the upcoming wet test at Chennai Harbour, where they will conduct flotation tests at a depth of 15 meters. This initial test is crucial for validating the submersible's systems before deeper trials commence.
Matsya-6000 represents a significant leap for India in deep-sea exploration technology. With an investment of Rs. 4,077 crore (approximately $550 million), this project aims not only to advance scientific research but also to explore valuable ocean resources such as gas hydrates and polymetallic nodules.
The successful execution of Samudrayaan will position India among a select group of nations capable of manned deep-sea exploration, enhancing its stature in global marine research efforts.
Samudrayaan mission to be piloted by retired Indian Navy submariner
The crew for this groundbreaking mission will consist of three members, one of whom is confirmed to be a retired Indian Navy submariner.
By Sibu Tripathi
New Delhi, UPDATED: Oct 7, 2024, 13:17 IST
Samudrayaan Mission's Matsya-6000 submersible getting ready for wet test. (Photo: India Today/Sibu Tripathi)
India is gearing up for its ambitious Samudrayaan mission, which aims to explore the depths of the ocean with its first manned submersible, Matsya-6000.
The mission is set to undergo its maiden wet test in the final week of October, where scientists and engineers at the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) will evaluate the submersible's flotation, buoyancy, and life support systems.
This critical phase marks a significant step in the development of Matsya-6000, which is designed to dive to depths of 6,000 meters below sea level.
The crew for this groundbreaking mission will consist of three members, one of whom is confirmed to be a retired Indian Navy submariner.
The final selection of crew members is expected to be completed within the next two to three months. (Photo: India Today/Sibu Tripathi)
This former naval officer, whose name will be revealed at a later time, has joined NIOT as a scientist, post-retirement, and will contribute significantly to the training and preparedness for the mission. His experience, according to sources in the NIOT, includes working with the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle during his tenure in the Navy, providing him with invaluable expertise for operating the submersible.
NIOT is currently in the process of selecting the remaining two crew members, who may either come from the Indian Navy or be scientists from the institute.
The screening process is being conducted by the Institute of Naval Medicine (INM). Once selected, the crew will undergo a rigorous training module at the INM for two weeks, followed by specialized training in the Matsya-6000 cockpit to familiarize themselves with its design and technology.
This will be complemented by submarine pilot training in an international location that is yet to be finalized.
The final selection of crew members is expected to be completed within the next two to three months.
WET TEST PREP UNDERWAY
NIOT is also preparing for the upcoming wet test at Chennai Harbour, where they will conduct flotation tests at a depth of 15 meters. This initial test is crucial for validating the submersible's systems before deeper trials commence.
Matsya-6000 represents a significant leap for India in deep-sea exploration technology. With an investment of Rs. 4,077 crore (approximately $550 million), this project aims not only to advance scientific research but also to explore valuable ocean resources such as gas hydrates and polymetallic nodules.
The successful execution of Samudrayaan will position India among a select group of nations capable of manned deep-sea exploration, enhancing its stature in global marine research efforts.
Samudrayaan mission to be piloted by retired Indian Navy submariner
Ministry of Mines
Ministry of Mines Launches the First Ever Tranche of Auction of Mineral Blocks in the Offshore Areas
Posted On: 28 NOV 2024 8:52PM by PIB Delhi
Ministry of Mines Launches the First Ever Tranche of Auction of Mineral Blocks in the Offshore Areas
Posted On: 28 NOV 2024 8:52PM by PIB Delhi
The first ever tranche of e-auction of mineral blocks in the offshore areas of India was launched by Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines on 28th November 2024. This landmark event is a major step forward in India’s journey to explore and utilize its extensive offshore mineral resources within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
This first tranche of auction includes 13 mineral blocks spanning across the Arabian Sea and Andaman Sea, featuring a mix of minerals, such as construction sand, lime-mud and polymetallic nodules and crusts. These minerals are critical for infrastructure development, high-tech manufacturing and the green energy transition.
Details of blocks put up for auction:
| Mineral(s) | Number of Blocks | Location |
| Construction sand | 3 | Off the coast of Kerala, Arabian Sea |
| Lime-mud | 3 | Off the coast of Gujarat, Arabian Sea |
| Polymetallic nodules and crusts (containing Cobalt, Nickel, etc.) | 7 | Off Great Nicobar Islands, Andaman Sea |
The event was attended by officials from the Ministry of Mines, other Central Government Ministries and Departments, representatives of embassies/ high commission of Republic of Korea, Indonesia, Netherlands, United Kingdom and Australia, State Governments, industry leaders, public sector enterprises, potential bidders and media houses, marking a historic moment for India’s mining sector.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Coal and Mines, termed the launch as a historical moment which added a new chapter in the mines and mineral sector of India. He stated that this occasion is a step towards realising the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi of Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that the demand for critical minerals is going to increase many folds and India is making all efforts to become a leading player in global critical minerals market. He said that India is going to launch National Critical Mineral Mission soon to strengthen supply chains of critical minerals in India.
The Minister gave an overview of the reforms brought by the government to increase ease of doing business in the mining sector. He highlighted that 438 mineral blocks have been auctioned after introduction of auction regime in the year 2015. This resulted in the increase of the revenue of the States exponentially. He further emphasized that India's offshore mining initiative aims to reduce critical mineral imports, foster sustainable mining and enhance capacity-building efforts in the country. He called upon industry stakeholders to come forward for participating in exploration, mining and technology development to make India a global powerhouse in the offshore mining sector
Shri V. L. Kantha Rao, Secretary of the Ministry of Mines, in his address, elaborated on the efforts made by Geological Survey of India (GSI) for exploration of mineral resources in the seabed during the last 40-50 years. GSI has identified about six lakh sq. kms of offshore area having potential for offshore mining. He informed that all the exploration data generated by GSI is available in the National Geological Data Repository (NGDR) portal.
Shri Rao mentioned that the Government has prescribed reasonable royalty rates for the offshore minerals to encourage industry participation. The Government has carefully selected the best blocks for auction. He requested the industry players to come forward and participate actively in the first ever auction being launched for offshore minerals in the country. He also assured that the Government is fully committed to support and facilitate the offshore exploration and mining activities in the country.
The commencement of sale of the tender document of offshore mineral blocks will begin from 3rd December, 2024. Prospective bidders can submit their bids by the end of February, 2025.
Detailed information on the mineral blocks, auction terms and timelines can be accessed on the MSTC auction platform at https://www.mstcecommerce.com/auctionhome/mlcln/. The auction will be conducted online in a transparent two-stage ascending forward auction process, where the highest bid based on the percentage of the mineral value will secure the winning bid.
The Government of India is committed to continuing this momentum by putting more offshore mineral blocks in auction in a phased approach, supporting India’s ambitions for mineral security, technological advancement and sustainable development.
Ministry of Mines Launches the First Ever Tranche of Auction of Mineral Blocks in the Offshore Areas
NIOT's unmanned undersea vehicles so far. Except the OMe6000 AUV, the rest are all domestically developed:
This is how NIOT's upcoming Matsya 6000 compares with some of its global peers:
This is how NIOT's upcoming Matsya 6000 compares with some of its global peers:
3 People, 3 Hours, Under the Sea: NIOT Director Explains The First Underwater Human Test for Matsya-6000
India's Matsya-6000 deep-sea submersible successfully completes wet testing, setting a milestone in underwater exploration.
By ETV Bharat Tech Team
Published: Feb 24, 2025, 5:33 PM IST
By Ravichandran
Matsya-6000 successfully completed Wet Test (ETV Bharat).
Chennai: Under the Deep-Sea Operations Program (Samudrayaan Mission) of the Union Government, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed a 4th generation deep-sea submarine named "Matsya-6000" as part of the Samudrayaan project. The entire development has been entrusted to the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
The 'Matsya-6000' was deployed underwater for three hours and successfully completed Wet Testing at Kattupalli Port. The Ministry of Earth Sciences declared it a success, marking a significant milestone in deep-sea exploration worldwide.
The submersible features a spherical hull with a 2.1-metre diameter, integrated with a human life-support system. Capable of accommodating up to three people, the Matsya-6000 features a comprehensive array of components for diving, movement, power supply, and syntactic foam for buoyancy. In addition to underwater acoustic positioning and GPS for precise location tracking, the submersible also features communication systems, which include an acoustic modem, underwater telephone, and VHF for surface communication.
This project reveals the potential for humans to conduct deep-sea research. ETV reporter Ravichandran had an exclusive conversation with NIOT Director Balaji Ramakrishnan, who shared insights about the project. According to him, the research work to send humans 20,000 feet (over 6,000 metres) deep will be completed by the end of 2026.
Following is an excerpt of the interview:
What is the status of the project to send humans to the deep sea?
Samudrayan is a future deep-sea exploration project involving the 'Matsya-6000' submersible system. We plan to send three scientists from NIOT to a depth of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). The primary objective is to study marine life and collect samples. We are upgrading the 'Matsya-6000' submarine system at the NIOT campus in Chennai. The entire work is being done there. Before reaching 19,685 feet, we must go through several stages, starting with a test at 500 meters (1,640 feet).
How does Matsya 6000 keep humans inside alive?
The components include batteries and buoyancy systems, which must undergo several tests. The system weighs about 26,500 kg (25 tons) and must move smoothly and safely to avoid endangering the people inside. Advanced electronic systems and sensors will be installed to ensure safety and facilitate research. The scientists will be housed in a 2.1-meter-diameter spherical hull. This section provides life support by supplying oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and maintaining humidity levels. The proper functioning of these systems is essential for conducting research.
Matsya-600 being lifted for the test (ETV Bharat)
The Wet Testing site
We conducted tests at a location provided by L&T at Kattupalli Port, where the sea depth was less than 10 meters (about 32 feet). The Matsya-6000 will first be tested on land and then undergo five unmanned underwater tests to check the watertight structure, air leaks, and sensor functionality. Results will be presented to the Application Approval Board for permission to send scientists for testing. Three scientists stayed inside the spherical structure for three hours during the initial underwater test, and we monitored their condition.
What are the challenges and next steps?
There were communication issues during the underwater test, which we hope to resolve in subsequent tests. We aim to test the 'Matsya-6000' at a depth of 500 meters (1,640 feet) by the end of the year.
Matsya-6000 immersed under water during the Wet Test (ETV Bharat)
What are the benefits of sending scientists to the deep sea?
Benefits of Deep-Sea Exploration Automated submersibles with powerful cameras can go up to 6,000 meters, but human exploration is unique. Scientists can directly observe and uncover deep-sea wonders and test new technologies.
How long can Matsya-6000 last underwater?
The system can operate for 96 hours in an emergency but is limited to 12 hours for survey purposes, allowing it to descend, complete the survey, and return to the surface within this timeframe.
A picture explaining the basics of the Matsya-6000 project (ETV Bharat)
How was the successful seawater test?
A pilot and two scientists were inside the spherical structure. They each had assigned tasks, similar to what would happen at 6,000 meters. The pilot would be responsible for operating the Matsya system. Since the environment is challenging, those who go inside will be given many tests and exercises to ensure they are physically and mentally strong.
What did the scientists say when they came out?
Scientists in the control room noted their strength and confidence in the system created by their team.
Scientists came out of Matsya-6000 after the completion of test (ETV Bharat)
NIOT Director Balaji Ramakrishnan also spent an hour inside the spherical part during the initial positioning at the top of the sea and reported a smooth experience with no discomfort.
3 People, 3 Hours, Under The Sea: NIOT Director Explains The First Underwater Human Test For Matsya-6000
India's Matsya-6000 deep-sea submersible successfully completes wet testing, setting a milestone in underwater exploration.
By ETV Bharat Tech Team
Published: Feb 24, 2025, 5:33 PM IST
By Ravichandran
Matsya-6000 successfully completed Wet Test (ETV Bharat).
Chennai: Under the Deep-Sea Operations Program (Samudrayaan Mission) of the Union Government, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has developed a 4th generation deep-sea submarine named "Matsya-6000" as part of the Samudrayaan project. The entire development has been entrusted to the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
The 'Matsya-6000' was deployed underwater for three hours and successfully completed Wet Testing at Kattupalli Port. The Ministry of Earth Sciences declared it a success, marking a significant milestone in deep-sea exploration worldwide.
The submersible features a spherical hull with a 2.1-metre diameter, integrated with a human life-support system. Capable of accommodating up to three people, the Matsya-6000 features a comprehensive array of components for diving, movement, power supply, and syntactic foam for buoyancy. In addition to underwater acoustic positioning and GPS for precise location tracking, the submersible also features communication systems, which include an acoustic modem, underwater telephone, and VHF for surface communication.
This project reveals the potential for humans to conduct deep-sea research. ETV reporter Ravichandran had an exclusive conversation with NIOT Director Balaji Ramakrishnan, who shared insights about the project. According to him, the research work to send humans 20,000 feet (over 6,000 metres) deep will be completed by the end of 2026.
Following is an excerpt of the interview:
What is the status of the project to send humans to the deep sea?
Samudrayan is a future deep-sea exploration project involving the 'Matsya-6000' submersible system. We plan to send three scientists from NIOT to a depth of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). The primary objective is to study marine life and collect samples. We are upgrading the 'Matsya-6000' submarine system at the NIOT campus in Chennai. The entire work is being done there. Before reaching 19,685 feet, we must go through several stages, starting with a test at 500 meters (1,640 feet).
How does Matsya 6000 keep humans inside alive?
The components include batteries and buoyancy systems, which must undergo several tests. The system weighs about 26,500 kg (25 tons) and must move smoothly and safely to avoid endangering the people inside. Advanced electronic systems and sensors will be installed to ensure safety and facilitate research. The scientists will be housed in a 2.1-meter-diameter spherical hull. This section provides life support by supplying oxygen, removing carbon dioxide, and maintaining humidity levels. The proper functioning of these systems is essential for conducting research.
Matsya-600 being lifted for the test (ETV Bharat)
The Wet Testing site
We conducted tests at a location provided by L&T at Kattupalli Port, where the sea depth was less than 10 meters (about 32 feet). The Matsya-6000 will first be tested on land and then undergo five unmanned underwater tests to check the watertight structure, air leaks, and sensor functionality. Results will be presented to the Application Approval Board for permission to send scientists for testing. Three scientists stayed inside the spherical structure for three hours during the initial underwater test, and we monitored their condition.
What are the challenges and next steps?
There were communication issues during the underwater test, which we hope to resolve in subsequent tests. We aim to test the 'Matsya-6000' at a depth of 500 meters (1,640 feet) by the end of the year.
Matsya-6000 immersed under water during the Wet Test (ETV Bharat)
What are the benefits of sending scientists to the deep sea?
Benefits of Deep-Sea Exploration Automated submersibles with powerful cameras can go up to 6,000 meters, but human exploration is unique. Scientists can directly observe and uncover deep-sea wonders and test new technologies.
How long can Matsya-6000 last underwater?
The system can operate for 96 hours in an emergency but is limited to 12 hours for survey purposes, allowing it to descend, complete the survey, and return to the surface within this timeframe.
A picture explaining the basics of the Matsya-6000 project (ETV Bharat)
How was the successful seawater test?
A pilot and two scientists were inside the spherical structure. They each had assigned tasks, similar to what would happen at 6,000 meters. The pilot would be responsible for operating the Matsya system. Since the environment is challenging, those who go inside will be given many tests and exercises to ensure they are physically and mentally strong.
What did the scientists say when they came out?
Scientists in the control room noted their strength and confidence in the system created by their team.
Scientists came out of Matsya-6000 after the completion of test (ETV Bharat)
NIOT Director Balaji Ramakrishnan also spent an hour inside the spherical part during the initial positioning at the top of the sea and reported a smooth experience with no discomfort.
3 People, 3 Hours, Under The Sea: NIOT Director Explains The First Underwater Human Test For Matsya-6000