SAMUDRAYAAN MISSION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has completed a key test for India’s first manned submersible mission called Samudrayaan.

Samudrayaan Mission

• About: It is India's inaugural manned mission intended to explore the depths of the ocean.
• Objective: India has a unique maritime position with a 7,517 km coastline along nine mainland states and 1,382 islands. The mission aims to boost the central government’s vision of a new India that highlights the blue economy as one of the 10 core dimensions of growth.
• Exploring Depths: It aims to develop a manned submersible capable of carrying three individuals to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean.
• Studying Resources and Biodiversity: The mission is designed to study deep ocean resources and conduct biodiversity assessments.
• Part of the Deep Ocean Mission: Samudrayaan is part of the broader Deep Ocean Mission aligned with the Central Government's Blue Economy policy.
• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) oversees the execution of the mission.

Deep Ocean Mission

• About: The mission aims to bolster the Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India through strategic exploration and utilization of marine resources.
• Central Sector Scheme Launch: Launched as a Central Sector Scheme under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the mission signifies a coordinated governmental effort towards deep-sea exploration.
• Multi-Ministerial, Multi-Disciplinary Approach: Adopting a high-level, multi-ministerial, and multi-disciplinary approach, the mission seeks comprehensive insights into both living and non-living resources in the Indian Ocean.

MATSYA 6000 

• About: It is a manned submersible vehicle developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Chennai.
• Purpose and Mission: Developed under the Samudrayaan mission, MATSYA 6000 aims to facilitate humans in exploring mineral resources in the deep ocean.
• Endurance and Capability: The vehicle boasts an operational endurance of 12 hours and can sustain for 96 hours in case of emergencies.
• Technological Advancement: Its development enhances the capability for deep-sea man-rated vehicle development.
• Global Significance: Expected to launch in 2024-25, MATSYA 6000 positions India among six countries capable of crewed under-sea expeditions beyond 5,000 meters.