ISRO successfully conducts drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan mission

In a significant boost to India’s ambitious human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a critical parachute system for the crew module. The tests were conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.

The space agency announced on Saturday that the drogue parachute tests, carried out on December 18 and 19, were successful. The tests are part of the development of the deceleration system required for the safe recovery of the Gaganyaan crew module during its descent and landing phase.

ISRO officials said the successful trials mark an important milestone in ensuring the safety and reliability of systems essential for India’s first human spaceflight mission.

The drogue parachute has been specifically developed for the Gaganyaan crew module and plays a vital role in safely slowing down the spacecraft during its descent back to Earth. The deceleration system reportedly contains 10 parachutes of four types.

How The Drogue Parachutes Work?

According to ISRO, the descent sequence begins with the separation of the two apex cover separation parachutes that remove the protective cover from the parachute compartment. This is followed by the deployment of two drogue parachutes to stabilise and slow the module. After the drogues are released, three pilot parachutes are deployed to extract the three main parachutes, which further decelerate the crew module and ensure a safe touchdown.

Union Minister of Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said the successful trial has strengthened confidence in the drogue parachute’s efficiency and dependability. He noted that the test results validate key design parameters and contribute significantly to the overall qualification of the parachute system for the Gaganyaan mission.

With each successful trial, Gaganyaan moves closer to its goal of demonstrating India’s indigenous human spaceflight capability, reinforcing the country’s growing stature in advanced space technology and exploration.