India's Samudrayaan mission advances with successful Matsya-6000 wet test

India’s deep-sea exploration program took a significant step forward as the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) successfully conducted the first harbour wet test of the Matsya-6000 submersible under the Samudrayaan mission. The trials were held at L&T Shipbuilding’s facility in Kattupalli Port, near Chennai, assessing key performance parameters.

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Matsya-6000 is a next-generation deep-ocean submersible designed to carry three crew members within its 2.1-meter diameter spherical hull. It is equipped with advanced systems, including thrusters for movement, a main ballast system for controlled diving, a battery-powered energy source, and syntactic foam for buoyancy. Additionally, the submersible integrates high-tech navigation, control, and communication systems, such as an acoustic modem and GPS for precise tracking.

During the wet test, the submersible completed eight dives, including five manned and three unmanned missions, to evaluate its power, control, stability, and life-support systems. Oceanographic sensors were also tested for operational efficiency. While underwater voice communication faced limitations due to the harbour’s depth, the trials confirmed the submersible’s readiness for shallow-water tests at 500 meters by 2025.

Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission, Samudrayaan aims to send three explorers to 6,000 meters depth by 2026, advancing deep-sea resource exploration and biodiversity assessment. This success strengthens India’s position in underwater research and supports the nation’s Blue Economy initiatives.