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Indian scientists are preparing for a deep-sea exploration mission in an indigenous submersible called Matsya-6000 after the loss of the crew in the Titan submersible. The Samudrayaan Mission, launched in October 2021, aims to develop a self-propelled manned submersible capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean. It will carry a suite of scientific sensors and tools for deep ocean exploration, focusing on non-living resources such as polymetallic manganese nodules, gas hydrates, hydro-thermal sulfides, and cobalt crusts found between 1,000 and 5,500 meters deep.
Matsya-6000, developed indigenously, will enable the Ministry of Earth Sciences to conduct deep-sea exploration. With an operational endurance of 12 hours (96 hours in emergencies), the submersible will facilitate direct observation and understanding of unexplored deep-sea areas. Its design features include a titanium enclosure for enhanced safety and syntactic foam, a flotation device for location determination.
The mission holds significance due to India's vast coastline, stretching 7,517 kilometers and comprising nine coastal states and 1,382 islands. It aligns with the government's vision of a 'New India' that emphasizes the Blue Economy as a core dimension of growth. Coastal regions play a crucial role in supporting fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, livelihoods, and blue trade.
Lessons learned from the Titan submersible incident have led to multiple back-up safety measures being incorporated into the Matsya-6000 mission. Safety systems are being reviewed, and test dives up to 500 meters will be conducted in a steel submersible. Titanium is preferred over steel for the submersible's casing due to its strength and lighter weight, aiding resurfacing and balancing in extreme ocean depths. The perfectly spherical hull of the submersible ensures even distribution of extreme pressure at ocean depths.
The incident involving the Titan submersible prompts a reevaluation and enhancement of safety measures for the Matsya-6000 mission. It serves as a valuable learning opportunity to improve the safety and reliability of India's upcoming deep-sea exploration mission.
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