India's Advanced Deep-Ocean Submersible Matsya-6000 Passes Wet Tests
Click to start listening
Synopsis
India's Fourth-Generation Deep-Ocean Submersible 'Matsya-6000' has successfully completed wet testing, enabling shallow-water demonstrations up to 500 meters by 2025. The testing assessed critical performance parameters and included multiple unmanned and manned dives, highlighting advancements in India's ocean exploration efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Matsya-6000 is India's latest deep-ocean submersible.
- Successful completion of wet tests at the harbour.
- Shallow-water demonstrations planned by 2025.
- Thorough evaluations of navigation and communication systems.
- Indigenous design and development under the Samudrayan Project.
New Delhi, Feb 17 (NationPress) India’s Fourth-Generation Deep-Ocean Submersible 'Matsya-6000' has successfully concluded wet testing at the harbour, setting the stage for shallow-water demonstrations at depths of up to 500 meters by the end of 2025, as stated in an official announcement on Monday.
To guarantee the flawless integration of all systems within its exo-structure, the Matsya initially underwent a thorough series of integrated dry tests over a 500-meter operational range. After successfully completing these tests, it was moved to the L&T Shipbuilding facility at Kattupalli Port, near Chennai, from January 27 to February 12, 2025, for conducting wet tests and showcasing the submersible's functionality.
The tests were designed to meticulously evaluate Matsya's performance across several key parameters. Assessments focused on the strength of power and control networks, buoyancy and stability of the vehicle, human support and safety systems, and agility within limited degrees of freedom, particularly forward and reverse motion.
Moreover, navigation and communication capabilities were rigorously analyzed. The scientific payloads, which featured numerous sophisticated oceanographic sensors, were extensively tested to confirm their intended functionality. This demonstration phase included a total of eight dives, consisting of five unmanned dives and three manned dives. Each manned dive underwent strict qualification, ensuring the reliability of the life support system.
Due to the limited water depth in the harbour, underwater voice communication was less effective, emphasizing the need for additional testing at greater depths to bolster confidence in shallow-water operations. In some areas, extra efforts are necessary to achieve optimal performance and completeness.
Under the government’s Deep Ocean Mission initiatives, the Ministry of Earth Sciences has assigned the National Institute of Ocean Technology with the ambitious task of designing and developing the Matsya-6000, as part of the Samudrayan Project. This state-of-the-art submersible is designed to accommodate three individuals within its compact 2.1-meter diameter spherical hull, representing a major milestone in India’s ocean exploration capabilities.
Following the design phase, various subsystems critical to Matsya-6000's functionality were identified and developed. The submersible includes a complete array of components: a main ballast system for diving, thrusters for multidirectional movement, a battery bank for power supply, and syntactic foam for buoyancy.
It also features an advanced power distribution network, state-of-the-art control hardware and software, along with sophisticated underwater navigation devices. Communication systems incorporate an acoustic modem, underwater telephone, and VHF for surface communication, supplemented by underwater acoustic positioning and GPS for precise surface location tracking.
Inside the spherical hull, meticulous attention has been given to the integration of human life-support systems, displays for various environmental/critical parameters, navigation joysticks for maneuverability, as well as various oceanographic sensors, underwater lighting, and external cameras. All these subsystems have been indigenously designed and are currently undergoing thorough integration and qualification testing.
