Samudrayaan Project: India’s Manned Deep-Sea Mission
Why in the news
Two Indian aquanauts went beyond 5,000 metres in the Atlantic aboard Nautile, preparing for India’s manned deep-sea mission under the Deep Ocean Mission (DOM).
Key facts
- Aim: explore up to 6,000 metres for resources, biodiversity and climate studies.
- Survey polymetallic nodules rich in manganese, cobalt, nickel and rare earth elements.
- Also: ocean climate advisory models and support for the blue economy policy.
| Matsya-6000 | Detail |
|---|---|
| Crew | 3 aquanauts; 12-hour missions, up to 96 hours in emergencies |
| Sphere | 2.1 m titanium alloy, 80 mm thick, ISRO electron beam welding |
| Pressure | About 600 times sea level |
| Life support | Oxygen scrubbers, re-breathers, acoustic telephone |
Related initiatives
- DOM is an umbrella scheme with six components.
- India has nodule mining rights in the Central Indian Ocean Basin from the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
Exam angle
- Nodal agency: NIOT; vehicle: Matsya-6000.