DRDO Launches Advanced Sonar Testing Facility SPACE in Kerala for Indian Navy
SPACE, a premier testing & evaluation hub for sonar systems for Indian Navy, set up by DRDO, inaugurated in Kerala
A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Samir V Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman of DRDO, at the Underwater Acoustic Research Facility in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024. This facility, established by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, serves as a leading testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems used by the Indian Navy across various platforms, including ships, submarines, and helicopters.
SPACE is a significant advancement in naval technology, consisting of two main components: a floating platform and a submersible platform that can descend to depths up to 100 meters via winch systems. This setup allows for the seamless integration and retrieval of the submersible unit post-operation.
The facility is primarily intended for the comprehensive evaluation of sonar systems. It enables the rapid deployment and retrieval of scientific packages such as sensors and transducers. SPACE is equipped for extensive surveying, sampling, and data collection from air, surface, mid-water, and the reservoir floor, using state-of-the-art scientific instruments. It supports advanced data processing and sample analysis within modern, well-equipped laboratories, significantly enhancing India's Anti-Submarine Warfare research capabilities.