India is preparing to join an elite group of nations capable of deep-sea exploration with its ambitious Samudrayaan mission.
This groundbreaking initiative, part of the larger Deep Ocean Mission approved by the Ministry of Earth Sciences in 2021, aims to send humans into the depths of the Indian Ocean to unlock its mysteries and potential resources.
At the heart of the Samudrayaan mission is the development of Matsya-6000, an indigenously designed manned submersible vehicle.
This technological marvel will be capable of carrying three individuals to depths of 6,000 meters, pushing the boundaries of India’s underwater exploration capabilities.
The mission’s primary objectives extend far beyond technological advancement.
WHAT WILL SAMUDRAYAAN LOOK FOR IN THE OCEAN?
Samudrayaan will focus on exploring India’s exclusive economic zones and continental shelf, seeking to uncover a wealth of ocean resources.
These include valuable minerals, energy sources, and unique biodiversity, all of which could contribute significantly to India’s blue economy initiatives.
“One of the key targets for exploration will be polymetallic nodules, mineral concretions rich in manganese, iron, and other valuable metals found on the ocean floor,” Dr. S Ramesh, Scientist-in-Charge of India’s deep-sea mission told IndiaToday.in in an exclusive conversation.
Additionally, the mission will investigate gas hydrates and cobalt crusts, which could prove to be important energy and mineral resources.
BEYOND RESOURCES
Beyond resource exploration, Samudrayaan will conduct comprehensive scientific studies of the deep-sea environment. This includes analysing the ocean’s biodiversity, studying geological formations, and assessing the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems.
The mission also has strategic implications, enhancing India’s maritime security interests in the Indian Ocean Region. By developing deep-sea exploration capabilities, India aims to strengthen its role in ocean governance and international cooperation.
Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, emphasised that the mission’s scope extends beyond mineral exploration to include the development of ocean sciences and the conservation of marine biodiversity.
“We currently understand only about five per cent of our oceans, leaving 95 per cent still shrouded in mystery. To truly comprehend the vast ocean floor, we need more exploration — and Samudrayaan will empower India to achieve that,” Dr M. Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences told IndiaToday.in.
The secretary added that this mission is even more exciting because India is sending three humans down to a depth of 6,000 meters.
“Human intelligence brings unique insights that robotic exploration simply cannot match. The International Seabed Authority has already provided information on hydrothermal vents and polymetallic nodule sites; now, with the Samudrayaan mission, we’ll explore these areas ourselves to deepen our understanding,” Dr Ravichandran said.
The Samudrayaan mission not only promises to unlock the secrets of the deep but also positions India as a key player in the sustainable exploration and utilisation of ocean resources.
With the first stage of harbour trials likely to be done in November, India is on track to make its mark in the depths of the ocean.