Produced by: Tarun Mishra
India is preparing to conduct a wet test for the Matsya-6000, an indigenously developed human submersible, marking a significant development in the country’s deep-sea exploration capabilities.
The wet test is scheduled for October 2024, as confirmed by Dr. M. Ravichandran, Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The exact timing will either be in the last week of October or the beginning of November.
The Ministry of Earth Sciences and the National Institute of Ocean Technology announced that all components of Matsya-6000 have been successfully integrated, setting the stage for the upcoming tests.
Named after the fish avatar of the Hindu god Vishnu, Matsya-6000 is designed to reach depths of 6,000 meters. It aims to enhance India's capabilities in oceanographic research.
The wet test will occur at Chennai harbor, simulating underwater conditions at a depth of 15 meters. This initial test is critical for evaluating the submersible's performance before moving on to deeper tests.
Following the wet test, a shallow water test is planned for 2025, contingent on improvements based on the initial results. An unmanned deep-sea test is expected to take place by 2026.
The wet test will evaluate crucial aspects such as hull integrity under pressure, propulsion, maneuvering capabilities, life support efficiency, and communication systems in underwater settings.
Upon successful completion of testing, Matsya-6000 will bolster India’s research capabilities in the Indian Ocean, enabling studies on deep-sea ecosystems, mineral resources, and climate change impacts, thereby enhancing the country's scientific presence in the region.