The inauguration of a groundbreaking Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation (SPACE) took place on April 17, 2024, at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala. Secretary of the Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO, Dr. Samir V Kamat, officiated the event, heralding a new era in naval technology.
SPACE, established by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, serves as a premier testing and evaluation hub specifically designed for sonar systems destined for deployment across various Indian Navy platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
This milestone initiative comprises two essential components: a surface-floating platform and a submersible platform capable of descending to depths of up to 100 meters using advanced winch systems. The submersible platform can be easily raised and docked with the floating platform upon completion of operations, ensuring seamless functionality.
The primary focus of SPACE is the comprehensive evaluation of complete sonar systems, enabling swift deployment and retrieval of scientific packages like sensors and transducers. It is tailored for surveying, sampling, and gathering data on air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters utilizing state-of-the-art scientific instrumentation. Moreover, it houses modern, well-equipped scientific laboratories for data processing and sample analyses, marking a significant leap forward in Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.
