A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024. This platform is a significant development in naval technology, aiming to enhance the capabilities of the Indian Navy’s sonar systems.
Inauguration and Purpose
The inauguration of SPACE was conducted by Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr. Samir V Kamat. Developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, SPACE serves as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems intended for various Indian Navy platforms such as ships, submarines, and helicopters.
Structure and Components
SPACE comprises two primary components:
- Floating Platform: This platform remains on the water surface.
- Submersible Platform: Capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using winch systems.
Operational Mechanism
The operational process of SPACE involves:
- Lowering the submersible platform to the desired depth using winch systems.
- Conducting operations and evaluations.
- Retrieving the submersible platform using winch systems and docking it with the floating platform.
Functionality and Applications
The main functions and applications of SPACE include:
- Evaluation of Sonar Systems: Enabling comprehensive testing and assessment of sonar systems.
- Deployment and Recovery: Facilitating quick deployment and retrieval of scientific packages, including sensors and transducers.
- Survey and Data Collection: Gathering data on air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing modern scientific instrumentation.
- Data Processing and Analysis: Providing facilities for data processing and sample analysis in well-equipped scientific laboratories.
Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs):
- Who inaugurated the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)?
- A) Prime Minister of India
- B) Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO
- C) Chief of Naval Staff
- D) Defence Minister of India
- Answer: B) Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO
- What is the primary purpose of SPACE?
- A) Air surveillance
- B) Submarine warfare
- C) Evaluation of sonar systems for the Indian Navy
- D) Satellite communication
- Answer: C) Evaluation of sonar systems for the Indian Navy
- How deep can the submersible platform of SPACE descend?
- A) 50 meters
- B) 75 meters
- C) 100 meters
- D) 150 meters
- Answer: C) 100 meters
- What is one of the main functions of SPACE?
- A) Space exploration
- B) Climate monitoring
- C) Data processing and sample analysis
- D) Agricultural research
- Answer: C) Data processing and sample analysis