Samudrayaan: India’s First Manned Deep Ocean Mission by MoES & NIOT

India’s first manned deep ocean mission ‘Samudrayaan‘ into a 6,000-metre depth using the manned submersible vehicle ‘Matsya’ is expected to be launched by the end of 2026.

About Deep Ocean Mission (DOM)

• DOM is India’s ambitious program for underwater exploration, primarily implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• It is a mission mode project to support the Blue Economy Initiatives of the Government of India.
• Approved by the Union Cabinet in 2021, it has a budget of nearly ₹4,077 crore over a five-year phased implementation.

Six Major Components

• Development of Technologies for Deep Sea Mining, and Manned Submersible
  • Manned Submersible ‘Samudrayaan’ which carries 3 people to 6,000 m depth with scientific sensors.
  • Integrated Mining System: For mining Polymetallic Nodules at 6,000 m in the central Indian Ocean.
  • Prepares for commercial exploitation under International Seabed Authority (UN).
• Development of Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services: Develop observations and models for climate variable projections (seasonal to decadal).
  • Supports climate resilience & coastal tourism.
• Technological innovations for exploration and conservation of deep-sea biodiversity: Bio-prospecting of deep-sea flora, fauna, and microbes; sustainable utilization.
  • Support the Blue Economy priority area of Marine Fisheries and allied services.
• Deep Ocean Survey and Exploration: Identify multi-metal hydrothermal sulphides along Indian Ocean mid-oceanic ridges.
• Energy and freshwater from the Ocean: Offshore Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) powered desalination plant.
  • Support the Blue Economy priority area of off-shore energy development.
• Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology: Human capacity development in ocean biology and engineering.
  • Includes on-site business incubator for industrial applications.
  • Support the Blue Economy priority area of Marine Biology, Blue trade and Blue manufacturing.

Matsya 6000 Submersible

• Matsya6000 is India’s flagship deep-ocean submersible designed to reach a depth of 6,000 meters.
• Crew: Accommodates a crew of three members and is equipped with scientific sensors and tools for observations, sample collection, and experimentation.
• Developed by: Chennai’s National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT).
  • Constructed from a titanium alloy, the sphere is engineered to withstand pressures of up to 6,000 bar.
• Features: It is designed to withstand high pressures and has propellers for movement in all directions, viewports for crew observation, and communication through acoustic systems.
  • Matsya6000 combines features of remote operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous remote vehicles (AUVs).
• India aims to join other countries that have successfully conducted deep-ocean crewed missions, such as the USA, Russia, China, France, and Japan.

Significance of the Deep Ocean Mission

• Strategic Advancement: Develops indigenous deep-sea technologies, positioning India among few nations with 6,000 m manned submersible capabilities. Enhances maritime security and self-reliance.
• Economic Growth: Supports India’s Blue Economy by enabling exploration of deep-sea minerals, fostering blue trade and job creation in shipbuilding and MSME sectors.
• Environmental Sustainability: Contributes to UN’s Decade of Ocean Science (2021-2030) by promoting sustainable use of ocean resources and biodiversity conservation.
• Climate Understanding: Develops models for climate projections, aiding coastal tourism and climate change advisory services.
• Resource Security: Explores offshore energy and freshwater solutions via OTEC-powered desalination, reducing reliance on terrestrial resources.
• Capacity Building: Enhances marine biology expertise and industrial innovation through research and business incubators, supporting blue manufacturing.