ISRO-VSSC & NIOT Signed MoU to Develop ‘MATSYA-6000’ Submersible Vessel

Current Context: On July 23, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation – Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (ISRO-VSSC) and the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Thiruvananthapuram.

• Aim: To build India’s first crewed deep-sea submersible under the Samudrayaan Project, enabling exploration up to 6,000 meters below sea level.

Highlights:

• Titanium alloy sphere (2260mm diameter, 80mm thick) designed to withstand 600 bar pressure and -3°C temperatures
• Carries 3-member crew with life-support, navigation, and communication systems
• Over 700 welding trials using Electron Beam Welding (EBW) for hull fabrication
• Part of India’s Deep Ocean Mission to explore marine resources and biodiversity.

Question:

Q.1 What is the name of the mission under which the deep-sea submersible is being developed?
a) Ocean Sat Mission
b) Jal Yatra Mission
c) Samudrayaan Project
d) Blue Revolution Project

Answer: c) The Samudrayaan Project is India’s flagship manned deep-sea mission under the Deep Ocean Mission led by NIOT.