India Joins Elite Group with Ambitious Deep Sea Mission
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | India's Deep Sea Mission |
| Significance | India becomes the sixth country to launch such a mission. |
| Announced by | Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, Earth Sciences, PMO, Atomic Energy, Space, Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. |
| Primary Goal | Achieving a resilient blue economy and exploring deep-sea resources. |
| Key Development | Matsyayaan 6000: Submersible capable of diving 6,000 meters. |
| Completion Target | First stage of harbor trials by September 2024, subsequent trials by 2026. |
| Technological Collaboration | NIOT and ISRO developed a titanium hull for the submersible. |
| Additional Technology | Self-floatation technology to allow submersible to remain submerged for 72 hours. |
| Economic Impact | Exploration of deep-sea flora, fauna, rare earth metals, and polymetallic nodules. |
| Objective | Develop indigenous technology to reduce dependence on foreign expertise. |
| Collaborators | Dr. M Ravi Chandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, along with senior officials. |
| Descent Time | Projected four-hour descent time for the submersible. |