The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) has achieved a significant milestone in India’s first manned submersible mission, Samudrayaan. This mission, announced in October 2021, aims to explore the depths of the ocean and unlock its mysteries. Let’s delve deeper into the recent developments and objectives of the Samudrayaan mission.
Key Test Completion by NIOT
The NIOT has successfully completed a crucial test for India’s first manned submersible mission, Samudrayaan. The test involved the deployment and successful operation of an underwater acoustic telephone, a vital component for the submersible. This test was conducted at a depth of about 500 meters in the Bay of Bengal onboard the research vessel Sagar Manjusha.
Purpose of Samudrayaan Mission
Samudrayaan is designed to enable direct observation of unexplored deep-sea areas by scientists. It aims to propel India into an elite group of nations possessing the technology and capability to conduct undersea activities. The mission involves deploying a self-propelled manned submersible to carry three human beings to a depth of 6,000 meters in the ocean. Equipped with scientific sensors and tools, Samudrayaan will facilitate deep ocean exploration.
Progress and Objectives
The design of the manned submersible vehicle is complete, and the realization of various components is underway. The mission seeks to explore mineral-rich areas in the deep ocean, including nickel, cobalt, rare earths, and manganese. Additionally, it aims to collect samples for analysis, enhancing our understanding of the ocean’s resources and ecosystem.
Budget and National Importance
The Deep Ocean Mission has been approved by the Centre with a total budget of ₹4,077 crore for five years. This mission is crucial for India, given its extensive coastline and numerous islands. It aligns with the government’s vision of leveraging the blue economy as a core dimension of growth, ultimately contributing to the nation’s progress and development.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- What is the purpose of the Samudrayaan mission?
- A) Conducting deep-space exploration
- B) Studying atmospheric changes
- C) Exploring uncharted deep-sea areas
- D) Investigating lunar resources
- Answer: C) Exploring uncharted deep-sea areas
- Which institute has completed a crucial test for India’s first manned submersible mission?
- A) Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
- B) National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
- C) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
- D) Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
- Answer: B) National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT)
- What is the estimated budget for the Deep Ocean Mission?
- A) ₹2,823.4 crore
- B) ₹5,000 crore
- C) ₹10,000 crore
- D) ₹1,000 crore
- Answer: A) ₹2,823.4 crore
- What is the maximum depth the manned submersible of the Samudrayaan mission can reach?
- A) 10,000 meters
- B) 5,000 meters
- C) 6,000 meters
- D) 2,000 meters
- Answer: C) 6,000 meters
- How does the Samudrayaan mission contribute to India’s development?
- A) By exploring space
- B) By studying forest ecosystems
- C) By leveraging the blue economy
- D) By researching desert landscapes
- Answer: C) By leveraging the blue economy