On April 17, 2024, at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala, Secretary of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of the DRDO Dr. Samir V Kamat officially opened a state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE). Established by the DRDO’s Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory, the SPACE is intended to serve as a world-class center for testing and assessment of sonar systems intended for the Indian Navy. These systems will be installed on a variety of platforms, such as ships, submarines, and helicopters.
A significant development in naval technology is the SPACE. It will be made up of two distinct assemblies: a floating platform and a submersible platform that can be lowered with the use of winch systems to a depth of up to 100 meters. The submersible platform may be winched up and docked with the floating platform once operations are finished.
The primary purpose of the SPACE will be to evaluate the entire sonar system, facilitating the rapid deployment and simple retrieval of research packages including transducers and sensors. Using cutting-edge scientific equipment, it will be appropriate for surveying, sampling, and gathering data on air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor factors.
It will serve the requirements of sample analysis and data processing in state-of-the-art, fully furnished scientific labs, ushering in a new era of research capabilities for anti-submarine warfare.
