SPACE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Recently, the Secretary of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO inaugurated the state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala.

SPACE

• Origin: Established by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
• Objective: Designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems for the Indian Navy.
• Composition: Comprises a floating platform and a submersible platform.
• Applications of the SPACE:
• Sonar System Evaluation: Enables comprehensive testing of sonar systems for the Indian Navy.
• Scientific Package Deployment: Facilitates quick deployment and recovery of scientific packages, including sensors and transducers.
• Survey and Data Collection: Allows for surveying, sampling, and data collection of various parameters across different depths using modern instrumentation.

Sonar 

• About: It stands for Sound Navigation and Ranging, a tool utilizing sound waves for ocean exploration.
• Applications of Sonar: Scientists employ sonar for various purposes including developing nautical charts, locating underwater hazards, identifying objects in water, and mapping the seafloor.
• Importance in Oceanography: Sonar is crucial in oceanography due to the ability of sound waves to travel further in water compared to radar and light waves.