ISRO Clears Key Drogue Parachute Tests for Gaganyaan Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed a crucial set of qualification tests for the drogue parachutes of the Gaganyaan Crew Module, marking another milestone in India’s human spaceflight programme. The tests were conducted on December 18 and 19 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, aimed at validating the performance of the parachutes under extreme and varying flight conditions.

Drogue parachutes form a vital part of the Crew Module’s complex deceleration system, which consists of 10 parachutes of four different types. During descent, apex cover separation parachutes are first deployed to open the parachute compartment, followed by two drogue parachutes that stabilise the module and significantly reduce its speed during atmospheric re-entry. Once their role is complete, pilot parachutes deploy the main parachutes that ensure a controlled and safe touchdown.

ISRO stated that both RTRS tests met all their objectives, confirming the robustness and reliability of the drogue parachutes even under demanding scenarios. The successful campaign brings the Gaganyaan mission closer to readiness for human spaceflight and highlights strong collaboration among ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), and TBRL.

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