SPACE testing hub set up by DRDO for Indian Navy inaugurated in Kerala

A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterization and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu, in Idukki, Kerala. 

About SPACE 

• The Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO set up the SPACE.
• This facility is a center for testing and evaluating sonar systems used by the Indian Navy on different types of vessels, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
• The facility is made up of two structures: a floating platform on the water's surface and a submersible platform that can be lowered up to 100 meters. 
• The submersible platform is lowered using winch systems and can be raised and docked with the floating platform after operations are completed.
• This marks an important milestone in the advancement of naval technology.
• The SPACE will mainly be utilized to evaluate complete sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers. Using modern scientific instrumentation, it will be suitable for survey, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters. Modern, well-equipped scientific laboratories will now have the capabilities to cater to data processing and sample analyses for Anti-Submarine Warfare research.

About Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO):

• The Defence Research and Development Organization is the country organization for research & development related to India's defence.
• This organization is a subsidiary unit of the Defence Ministry.
• DRDO was formed in 1958 by merging the existing Technical Development Establishments (TDEs) of the Indian Army, the Directorate of Technical Development and Production (DTDP), and the Defence Science Organization (DSO).
• The function of the Defence Research and Development Organization is to design, develop, and produce state-of-the-art sensors, weapons, and equipment, as well as conduct research for the security forces.

Headquarters – Delhi

Chairman – Dr. Samir V Kamat