In a bold stride towards advancing deep-sea science, India has announced plans to construct the world's deepest underwater research laboratory at a depth of 6,000 meters beneath the Indian Ocean. This cutting-edge facility will form a key part of India's Vision 2047, marking the nation's 100th year of independence with a global scientific milestone.
The deep-sea habitat is envisioned as an oceanic version of the International Space Station (ISS). Initially, the mission will begin with a demonstrator module at 500 meters, designed to host three scientists underwater for over 24 hours. This will test life-support systems, pressure resistance, and logistical support mechanisms. Once proven viable, this demonstrator will pave the way for the 6,000-meter full-scale habitat, which will be the deepest ever human-occupied research structure in marine history.
The deep-sea habitat aims to unlock secrets of the oceanic world that remain largely unexplored. Key research areas include marine biodiversity studies, drug discovery, biotechnology, geological research, and human performance. This could place India at the forefront of marine bioprospecting and subsurface geology research.
The only currently operational underwater research lab in the world, the Aquarius Reef Base (USA), operates at just 19 meters depth. India's proposed 6,000-meter station would far surpass all existing facilities, setting new global benchmarks. The lab also complements India's broader "Samudrayaan Mission", where crewed submersibles will explore the deep ocean as part of the Deep Ocean Mission under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
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