Daily Current Affairs : 23-June-2023

The world beneath the ocean’s surface holds countless mysteries and treasures yet to be discovered. To delve into this unexplored realm, scientists in India are preparing for an extraordinary expedition. As hope dwindles for the survival of those in the Titan submersible, the focus shifts to the development of Matsya 6000, an indigenous deep-submergence vehicle. This essay delves into the purpose and significance of Matsya 6000 in India’s ambitious Samudrayaan mission.

Understanding Matsya 6000

Matsya 6000, as the name suggests, is a crewed deep-submergence vehicle designed for underwater exploration. With a planned operational depth of 6000 meters, it aims to uncover rare minerals and conduct deep-sea research under the Deep Ocean mission, also known as the Samudrayaan mission. The name “Matsya” translates to “fish” in Hindi, and this specialized vehicle is capable of accommodating up to three passengers.

India's Deep-Sea Exploration with Matsya 6000: What You Should Know
Courtesy:Civilsdaily
Features of Matsya 6000
  1. Syntactic Foam: Matsya 6000 incorporates syntactic foam, a unique flotation device. In the unfortunate event that the submersible is unable to resurface, this foam will ensure the physical location of the vehicle is known. By rising to the top, it aids in the recovery process and provides crucial information about the submersible’s whereabouts.
Purpose of Matsya 6000
  1. Deep-Sea Experimentation: Matsya 6000 serves as a platform for conducting experiments and observations in the presence of human beings. It allows for the deployment of various devices, sensors, and instruments into the deep-sea environment. This capability enhances India’s research potential, enabling scientists to study the ocean’s depths and gather valuable data.
  2. Infrastructure Development: Matsya 6000 plays a vital role in augmenting India’s capabilities by establishing necessary infrastructure facilities. These facilities include a high-thickness welding facility, which ensures the structural integrity of the submersible. Additionally, a deep ocean simulator is constructed to simulate the challenging conditions faced during deep-sea missions. This infrastructure development contributes to the overall growth of India’s scientific capabilities.
The Significance of the Samudrayaan Mission

The Samudrayaan mission holds immense significance for India’s scientific community and the exploration of the world’s oceans. The primary objectives of this ambitious project are:

  1. Uncharted Exploration: With the development of Matsya 6000, the Samudrayaan mission aims to explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea. Scientists and researchers will directly observe and examine these uncharted territories, unraveling mysteries that have remained hidden for centuries.
  2. Deep Ocean Research: Equipped with a collection of scientific sensors and instruments, the submersible will facilitate comprehensive deep ocean research. By gathering data and samples from the ocean bed, scientists will gain valuable insights into marine ecosystems, geological formations, and the presence of rare minerals.
  3. Technological Advancement: The development of a self-propelled manned submersible capable of reaching a depth of 6,000 meters showcases India’s technological prowess. This project pushes the boundaries of engineering and construction, stimulating advancements in the construction of man-rated vehicles for deep-water environments.

Important Points:

  • Matsya 6000 is an Indian crewed deep-submergence vehicle designed for deep-sea exploration under the Samudrayaan mission.
  • It can reach a depth of 6000 meters and is equipped with syntactic foam for locating the submersible if it cannot resurface.
  • Matsya 6000 serves as a platform for conducting experiments and observations in the deep-sea environment.
  • It enhances India’s capabilities with the development of infrastructure facilities such as a high thickness welding facility and deep ocean simulator.
  • The Samudrayaan mission aims to develop a self-propelled manned submersible capable of carrying three people to a depth of 6000 meters.
  • The submersible will be equipped with scientific sensors and instruments for deep ocean research.
  • The mission allows scientists to explore previously unmapped parts of the deep sea and gather valuable data and samples.
  • It contributes to the advancement of constructing man-rated vehicles for deep water environments.
  • The period for the Samudrayaan mission is anticipated to be five years, starting in 2020-2021 and ending in 2025-2026.
Why In News

With hope dwindling on the chances of survival of those in the Titan submersible, scientists in India remain resolute as they intensify their preparations to undertake a similar dive in an indigenous vehicle late next year, driven by their unwavering determination to push the boundaries of deep-sea exploration.

MCQs about India’s Deep-Sea Exploration with Matsya 6000

  1. What is the purpose of Matsya 6000 in the Samudrayaan mission?
    A. To collect rare minerals from the ocean bed
    B. To conduct experiments and observations in the deep-sea environment
    C. To simulate challenging conditions for deep-sea missions
    D. To develop infrastructure facilities for high-thickness welding
    Correct Answer: B. To conduct experiments and observations in the deep-sea environment
    Explanation: Matsya 6000 serves as a platform for conducting experiments and observations in the deep-sea environment.
  2. What does the term “Matsya” mean in Hindi?
    A. Deep sea
    B. Fish
    C. Exploration
    D. Submersible
    Correct Answer: B. Fish
    Explanation: The term “Matsya” translates to “fish” in Hindi.
  3. What is the goal of the Samudrayaan mission?
    A. To explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea
    B. To develop advanced welding techniques
    C. To construct man-rated vehicles for space exploration
    D. To study marine ecosystems in shallow waters
    Correct Answer: A. To explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea
    Explanation: The primary goal of the Samudrayaan mission, as mentioned in the essay, is to explore previously unmapped regions of the deep sea.
  4. How long is the anticipated period for the Samudrayaan mission?
    A. 1 year
    B. 2 years
    C. 5 years
    D. 10 years
    Correct Answer: C. 5 years
    Explanation: The anticipated period for the Samudrayaan mission, as stated in the essay, is five years.

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