India’s First Manned Deep-Sea Mission: Unlocking the Secrets of the Ocean’s Depths
The Matsya 6000 submersible is set to embark on its maiden voyage in January 2025, with a crew on board, led by scientist Ramesh Raju from the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) in Chennai. This marks a significant step towards India’s first crewed underwater mission, Samudrayaan. Raju and a dedicated team of NIOT scientists have diligently prepared for this moment over the past three years. As they approach their litmus test, anticipation mounts. Early next week, the 28-tonne vehicle will undergo trials in a harbor off Chennai, carrying three crew members. If all goes according to plan, NIOT will boldly send a crew 6,000 meters beneath the Indian Ocean in 2026 – coinciding with ISRO’s ambitious manned space mission. Dr. Vedachalam N, Project Director of Matsya 6000, underscores the significance of NIOT’s role in ocean exploration, drawing a parallel with ISRO’s space endeavors. He emphasizes that the success of the Samudrayaan Mission will propel India into an...