ISRO completed a crucial test for the Gaganyaan mission. The Indian Space Research Organisation announced on Saturday that its drogue parachutes have successfully passed all qualification tests.
These tests were conducted to develop deceleration systems for the Gaganyaan crew module. The tests were carried out on December 18 and 19 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh.
The test and its importance
ISRO stated that the Gaganyaan crew module's deceleration system contains 10 parachutes of four different types. First, two apex cover separation parachutes remove the protective cover, then two drogue parachutes stabilise the module and reduce its speed. Subsequently, three pilot parachutes are deployed, which pull out three main parachutes that ensure the module's safe landing.
Also Read | Woman doctor whose hijab was pulled down by Nitish Kumar refuses to join service
The drogue parachutes are particularly important because they stabilise the module and bring its speed to safe levels. This is an extremely crucial step when the spacecraft re-enters Earth's atmosphere. These tests were conducted to verify the parachutes' performance and reliability under extremely challenging conditions.
ISRO further stated that these successful tests represent a significant milestone in qualifying the parachute system for human spaceflight, with support from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, and TBRL.
Also Read | Kashmir police flag 29 hydroelectric project workers for links to militancy
The Gaganyaan Mission
The 'Gaganyaan' mission is a major step in India's space research. ISRO has planned to launch the Gaganyaan mission in December 2025 and complete the process of sending humans to space by 2028. If everything goes according to plan, India will become the fourth country in the world capable of sending humans to space using its own technology.
Safely bringing astronauts back to Earth was the most crucial concern for ISRO, making this parachute test extremely important. Additionally, several more tests will be conducted, such as emergency egress drills for astronauts to exit Gaganyaan after an emergency landing and rescue exercises from the sea.
