India is now aiming to explore the depths of ocean after its successful Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission.
The preparations are in full swing to send three humans to a depth of 6 km into the ocean for deep-sea exploration and biodiversity assessments.
On Tuesday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju shared pictures of ‘Matsya 6000’, a submersible which is in preparation for exploring the deep oceans as part of India's ‘Samudrayaan Mission’.
The mission is being developed by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
The announcement has come after India’s successful ‘soft-landing’ on the Moon's south pole.
India is now aiming to send three humans to a depth of 6 km into the ocean for deep-sea exploration and biodiversity assessments, reported HT.
Earth Sciences Minister Rijiju visited NIOT in Chennai on Monday, where he reviewed the submersible and provided updates on India's first manned deep ocean mission, the report said.
Rijiju said:“ Next is ‘Samudrayaan’. This is 'MATSYA 6000' submersible under construction at National Institute of Ocean Technology at Chennai. India’s first manned Deep Ocean Mission ‘Samudrayaan’ plans to send 3 humans in 6-km ocean depth in a submersible, to study the deep sea resources and biodiversity assessment”
“The Deep Ocean Mission supports the 'Blue Economy' vision of PM @narendramodi ji, and envisages sustainable utilization of ocean resources for economic growth of the country, improve livelihoods and jobs, and preserve ocean ecosystem health,” Rijiju said.
In addition to sharing pictures with the scientists and engineers working on Matsya 6000, the Union minister wrote, “Our Scientists, Researchers and Engineers are fully devoted to make the Deep Ocean Mission very successful in a sustainable manner.”
Rijiju also shared a video of himself inside the vessel, with an expert explaining how Matsya 6000 will explore the deep ocean and how the individuals joining the deep-sea expedition will be able to sustain themselves there.
Earlier, Union minister of state for earth sciences Jitendra Singh had said the 'MATSYA 6000' vehicle has a normal operational endurance of 12 hours and can last up to 96 hours in emergencies to ensure human safety.
The mission's target completion date is set for the year 2026.
