Daily Current Affairs : 12-September-2023
The world beneath the waves has long been a source of fascination for scientists and explorers alike. Now, India is stepping into the world of deep-sea exploration with an ambitious project known as Samudrayaan. This groundbreaking mission is set to send three adventurers 6,000 meters underwater in a domestically developed submersible called Matsya 6000. In this essay, we will delve into the details of this remarkable endeavor and its significance.
Matsya 6000: Engineering Marvel Beneath the Waves
Years of Dedication and Innovation
Matsya 6000, the heart of the Samudrayaan mission, has been a labor of love for Indian scientists and engineers. Its development has spanned nearly two years, reflecting meticulous planning and dedication. The first sea trials for this innovative submersible are scheduled to take place in the Bay of Bengal off the Chennai coast in early 2024.
The Unveiling of Technology
The design of Matsya 6000 has undergone rigorous scrutiny, encompassing various facets such as materials, testing, certification, redundancy, and standard operating procedures. The submersible’s most impressive feature is its 2.1-meter diameter sphere, constructed from an 80mm-thick titanium alloy. This engineering marvel is built to withstand the colossal pressure found at 6,000 meters below the ocean’s surface, which is a staggering 600 times greater than sea level pressure. The vehicle is designed for extended underwater operations, capable of continuous functioning for 12 to 16 hours with a 96-hour oxygen supply.
Mission Samudrayaan: Diving into the Abyss
Part of the Deep Ocean Mission
The Samudrayaan mission is an integral part of the Deep Ocean Mission, representing a significant leap in India’s scientific capabilities. In the first quarter of 2024, sea trials at a depth of 500 meters are slated to commence, marking a pivotal step towards the full realization of the mission, expected by 2026.
Joining Elite Ranks
India’s entry into the realm of deep-sea exploration is notable as only a handful of countries, including the United States, Russia, Japan, France, and China, have successfully developed manned submersibles. This achievement underscores India’s emergence as a significant player in the field of oceanic research and exploration.
Beyond Precious Metals: Unveiling the Ocean’s Secrets
Diving into Biodiversity
While the quest for precious metals like nickel, cobalt, and manganese is a crucial aspect of the mission, Matsya 6000 will do more than just collect valuable resources. It will also embark on a journey to investigate the chemosynthetic biodiversity present in hydrothermal vents and low-temperature methane seeps in the ocean. This exploration promises to unlock the secrets of unique ecosystems thriving in the extreme conditions of the deep sea, providing invaluable insights into the diversity of life on Earth.
Important Points:
Matsya 6000: Engineering Marvel Beneath the Waves
- Matsya 6000 is a domestically developed submersible for deep-sea exploration.
- It has been in development for nearly two years and will undergo sea trials in early 2024.
- The submersible’s design prioritizes materials, testing, certification, redundancy, and standard operating procedures.
- It features a 2.1-meter diameter sphere made of an 80mm-thick titanium alloy, capable of withstanding immense pressure at 6,000 meters depth.
- Matsya 6000 can operate continuously for 12 to 16 hours and has a 96-hour oxygen supply.
Mission Samudrayaan: Diving into the Abyss
- Samudrayaan is an ambitious mission that aims to send three people 6,000 meters underwater using Matsya 6000.
- It is part of the Deep Ocean Mission, with sea trials at 500 meters planned for early 2024.
- The mission’s full realization is expected by 2026, marking a significant step in India’s scientific capabilities.
- India joins a select group of countries, including the US, Russia, Japan, France, and China, in developing manned submersibles.
Beyond Precious Metals: Unveiling the Ocean’s Secrets
- Matsya 6000’s mission goes beyond resource collection to investigate chemosynthetic biodiversity in the deep sea.
- It will explore hydrothermal vents and low-temperature methane seeps, shedding light on unique ecosystems in extreme conditions.
- This exploration promises invaluable insights into Earth’s biodiversity and the mysteries of the deep sea.
Overall Significance
- India’s Samudrayaan mission showcases its emergence as a significant player in oceanic research and exploration.
- It holds the potential for uncovering precious resources and revealing the secrets of the deep sea.
- The scientific community and the world eagerly await the discoveries and revelations this mission will bring to light.
Why In News
Indian scientists are embarking on the groundbreaking project, Samudrayaan, which aims to explore the mysteries of the ocean’s depths by sending a team of three adventurers 6,000 meters underwater in the domestically developed submersible named Matsya 6000. This ambitious endeavor promises to unveil the hidden wonders of the deep sea and advance our understanding of its unique ecosystems.
MCQs about India’s Samudrayaan Mission
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What is the primary objective of the Samudrayaan mission’s exploration beyond collecting valuable minerals?
A. Studying coral reefs in the deep sea
B. Investigating chemosynthetic biodiversity
C. Measuring oceanic temperatures at extreme depths
D. Mapping the topography of the ocean floor
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How does India’s entry into deep-sea exploration with Matsya 6000 compare to other countries?
A. India is the only country with deep-sea exploration capabilities.
B. India is among a select group of countries with manned submersibles.
C. India’s submersible, Matsya 6000, is the deepest-diving in the world.
D. India is not involved in deep-sea exploration.
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What is the primary material used in the construction of Matsya 6000’s spherical shell for withstanding extreme underwater pressure?
A. Aluminum
B. Steel
C. Titanium alloy
D. Plastic
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