India to Become 6th Nation with Its Own Deep Sea Mission

India to Become 6th Nation with Its Own Deep Sea Mission

Context:

Recently, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology and Earth Sciences, has announced India’s imminent milestone of becoming the sixth nation to have a dedicated Deep Sea Mission.

Key Highlights:

Mission Objectives:

• The mission is not solely focused on mineral exploration but also aims at advancing ocean sciences and conserving marine biodiversity.
• Central to the mission is the development of cutting-edge technology for deep-sea exploration.

Technological Advancements:

• Matsyayaan 6000: Developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), this submersible can dive to depths of 6000 meters.
• Titanium Hull: A collaboration with ISRO has produced a hull capable of withstanding extreme underwater pressure.
• Self-Floatation Technology: Designed for emergency scenarios, enabling the submersible to remain submerged for up to 72 hours.
• Enhanced Descent Capabilities: The submersible can descend to target depths in just four hours.

Impact and Future Goals:

Economic Contributions:

• Boost to Blue Economy: The Deep Sea Mission is expected to significantly enhance the Indian economy by exploring and commercially exploiting rare earth metals and polymetallic nodules from the Indian seabed.

Future Milestones:

• Harbor Trials: The first stage of harbor trials is set to be completed by September 2024.
• Subsequent Trials: Further trials are expected to conclude by 2026.

Indigenous Technology Initiative:

• Reducing Foreign Dependence: Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized the importance of developing indigenous technology to reduce reliance on foreign technology for deep-sea exploration.

Way forward:

India’s Deep Sea Mission represents a pivotal step in advancing the nation’s capabilities in deep-sea exploration and ocean resource management, aligning with global standards and contributing to sustainable economic growth.