Matsya-6000: India’s Deep-Ocean Submersible Successfully Completes Wet Testing

Why in the News?

Matsya-6000, India’s fourth-generation deep-sea submersible, successfully completed wet testing at Kattupalli Port. Developed under the Samudrayan Project, it will undergo 500-meter depth trials by late 2025, advancing India’s deep-ocean exploration under the Deep Ocean Mission.

Matsya-6000: India’s Deep-Ocean Submersible Successfully Completes Wet Testing

Development and Key Features:

  • Matsya-6000, a 4th generation deep-ocean submersible, is being developed under the Samudrayan Project by the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) under the Deep Ocean Mission.
  • It is designed to carry three humans within a 1-meter diameter spherical hull for deep-sea exploration.
  • Key components include:
    • Main ballast system for diving and surfacing.
    • Thrusters for movement in all directions.
    • Battery bank for power and syntactic foam for buoyancy.
    • Advanced control systems, navigation devices, and communication systems (acoustic modem, underwater telephone, VHF, GPS).
    • Life-support systems, lighting, cameras, and oceanographic sensors integrated inside the hull.

Wet Testing and Performance Evaluation

  • After successful dry tests, Matsya-6000 underwent wet testing at L&T Shipbuilding, Kattupalli Port (Jan 27 – Feb 12, 2025).
  • Tests assessed:
    • Power and control systems.
    • Floatation, stability, and maneuverability (forward & reverse motion).
    • Human safety and life-support systems.
    • Navigation, communication, and scientific payload functionality.
  • The demonstration included eight dives (five unmanned, three manned).
  • Some communication limitations were noted due to restricted harbour depth.

Key Facts about Samudrayaan Mission

  • India’s first manned deep-ocean exploration mission.
  • Aims to develop a self-propelled submersible capable of carrying three humans to 6,000 meters depth for scientific exploration.
  • Equipped with advanced sensors and tools for deep-sea resource study and biodiversity assessment.
  • Ensures minimal ecological disturbance as it is solely used for exploration.
  • Part of the broader Deep Ocean Mission, supporting the Blue Economy policy of the Central Government.
  • Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Future Plans:

  • Matsya-6000 will undergo further testing at 500-meter depths by late 2025 for enhanced reliability.
  • Additional refinements will be made to optimize performance and communication systems in deep-sea conditions.