The Aryavarth Express
Agency(New Delhi): India is gearing up for a groundbreaking journey into the abyss, with plans to dispatch its scientists to explore the deep ocean, reaching depths of 6 kilometers below the sea surface by the end of 2025. Earth Sciences Minister Kiren Rijiju, in a recent video interview, confirmed that the Samudrayaan project is progressing smoothly, with the deep-ocean submersible Matsya6000 poised to facilitate this ambitious expedition.
The Matsya6000, designed to transport humans up to 6,000 meters underwater, is on track for testing by the year’s end. This technological marvel will plunge into regions of the ocean where sunlight has never penetrated, marking a significant milestone in underwater exploration. “The preparations for Samudrayaan, which aims to reach depths of around 6,000 meters, are well underway,” stated Rijiju. He expressed confidence that the initial shallow water tests would commence before this year concludes, paving the way for the deep-sea mission’s anticipated launch next year.
Launched in 2021, the Samudrayaan initiative represents India’s commitment to exploring the uncharted territories of the ocean bed in the central Indian Ocean. The mission is set to undertake a crewed voyage to the deep sea, with the Matsya6000 accommodating up to three crew members. Equipped with an array of scientific instruments, the submersible will boast an operational endurance of 12 hours, extendable to 96 hours in emergencies, ensuring a comprehensive study of the deep-sea environment.
India’s endeavor places it on the verge of joining an elite group of nations, including the United States, Russia, China, France, and Japan, that have successfully conducted crewed missions to the deep ocean. This venture not only showcases India’s technological prowess but also underscores its dedication to advancing oceanic research and exploration.
The Samudrayaan project is a testament to India’s burgeoning capabilities in marine science, promising to unlock mysteries of the deep sea and contribute significantly to our understanding of the Earth’s final frontier.