Why is it in the news?

• The state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kerala inaugurated.

About SPACE

• Developed by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO.
• Objective: Premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems for the Indian Navy, to be used on ships, submarines, and helicopters.
• Consists of two components: A floating platform on the water surface; and a submersible platform, capable of being lowered to depths up to 100 meters using winch systems.

Applications:

• Evaluation of complete sonar systems for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific packages like sensors and transducers.
• Suitable for surveying, sampling, and collecting data on air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters using modern scientific instrumentation.