SOURCE: AFI
Under the ambit of India’s ambitious Deep Ocean Mission, the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is pushing the boundaries of marine science with its development of the 4th Generation deep-ocean human submersible, Matsya-6000. This innovative project aims to explore the ocean depths up to 6,000 meters, showcasing India’s prowess in underwater technology.
The journey of Matsya-6000 began with extensive dry tests conducted within the confines of Matsya’s dedicated hanger at NIOT. These initial tests were crucial to verify the submersible’s hardware and software under controlled conditions. Following the successful dry trials, the team moved on to the critical phase of wet testing.
Wet tests were meticulously executed at the L&T Shipbuilding facility in Kattupalli during January and February 2025. This phase included:
- Five Manned Dives: These dives were pivotal in evaluating the human support systems within the submersible, ensuring the safety and comfort of the crew under real oceanic conditions.
- Five Unmanned Dives: These were focused on assessing the submersible’s autonomous functionalities, including power systems, control mechanisms, flotation stability, and maneuverability without human intervention.
During these trials, the functionality of various components was rigorously tested. The power systems proved reliable, control mechanisms responded accurately to inputs, flotation stability was maintained, and the human support systems, including life support, were effective. Maneuverability in water was also confirmed to meet the project’s high standards.
The positive outcomes from the wet tests have significantly bolstered the confidence of the NIOT team. The next milestone for Matsya-6000 includes demonstration dives to depths of up to 500 meters by the end of 2025. These demonstrations will not only validate the submersible’s capabilities in deeper waters but also pave the way for further explorations towards its maximum depth of 6,000 meters.
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