How long can the Samudrayaan crew survive underwater in an emergency?

India is set to make history with its first manned deep-sea exploration mission, Samudrayaan, which aims to send three humans to explore the ocean floor at a depth of 6,000 meters.
Dr. S Ramesh, Scientist-in-Charge of India’s deep-sea mission, in an exclusive conversation with IndiaToday.in revealed key details about the mission’s duration and capabilities.
The Samudrayaan mission is designed to last 12 hours from the moment the Matsya-6000 submersible dives into the ocean until its recovery upon mission completion.

The personnel sphere is being crafted from titanium. (Photo: NIOT)

This 12-hour window, referred to as the vehicle’s endurance, will allow the crew to conduct their exploration and research activities on the ocean floor.
In the event of an emergency, the Matsya-6000 is equipped to support the crew for an additional 96 hours, extending the total potential endurance of the vehicle to 108 hours. This extended capability ensures the safety of the crew in unforeseen circumstances.
The National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) is spearheading the design of the Samudrayaan mission, equipping the Matsya-6000 with all necessary systems for the entire 108-hour mission duration.
These include life support systems, batteries, communications equipment, food supplies, waste management, oxygen provision, and CO2 scrubbers.
Interestingly, the food for the mission is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), leveraging their expertise in creating specialised nutrition for Gaganyaan astronauts.
The Matsya-6000 will be deployed into the sea from India’s research vessel Sagar Nidhi, which will serve as the surface support for the deep-sea mission.
With this mission, India is poised to join an elite group of nations capable of deep-sea exploration.

Matsya-6000 will be deployed into the sea. (Photo: Sibu Tripathi)

The Matsya-6000’s design, featuring a 2.1-meter diameter spherical hull, puts it in the same league as other renowned deep-sea vehicles such as Russia’s Mir series, France’s Nautile, Japan’s Shinkai, and China’s Jiaolong.
As India prepares to embark on this groundbreaking 12-hour journey into the depths of the ocean, the Samudrayaan mission is a significant leap forward in the country’s scientific capabilities and its commitment to exploring the vast, mysterious realm of the deep sea.