India to launch first human submersible for ocean exploration

India is gearing up to deploy its first human-operated underwater submersible as part of the Deep Ocean Mission. Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the submersible, designed for a depth of up to 500 meters, is expected to launch this year, with plans to extend its reach to 6,000 meters by next year. The announcement was made during the second meeting of the Mission Steering Committee at Prithvi Bhawan, New Delhi on Thursday The Deep Ocean Mission aims to explore underwater resources, improve knowledge of deep-sea ecosystems, and advance India’s blue economy. The mission’s objectives include identifying critical minerals, rare metals, and undiscovered marine biodiversity, which have economic and environmental implications. It will also contribute to sustainable fisheries and biodiversity conservation, providing long-term benefits to India’s scientific community and economy. Dr. Singh highlighted the parallel progress of the Deep Ocean Mission and the Gaganyaan space program, which aims to send humans to space. This alignment represents India’s advancements in both marine and space technology.

“Soon #Gaganyaan will carry the first human being into the space in an Indian spacecraft from India. We are already in the process of conducting test flights”#ISRO pic.twitter.com/yo0FaLuw9h

— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) January 24, 2025