ISRO completes drogue parachute tests for Gaganyaan crew module

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed a series of qualification tests for the drogue parachutes of the Gaganyaan Crew Module, marking a key milestone in India’s human spaceflight programme.

The tests were conducted at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on December 18 and 19.

Sharing the update on X, ISRO said the trials confirmed the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes under varying flight conditions, a critical requirement for crew safety during re-entry.

According to ISRO, the Crew Module deceleration system consists of 10 parachutes across four categories. The descent sequence begins with two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment. This is followed by two drogue parachutes that stabilise and slow the module. Once the drogues are released, three pilot parachutes deploy to extract three main parachutes, which further decelerate the module to ensure a safe landing.

Drogue parachutes play a pivotal role in stabilising the Crew Module and reducing its velocity to safe levels during atmospheric re-entry. The objective of the latest test series was to rigorously assess their robustness under extreme and varied flight conditions. ISRO said both tests met all objectives, demonstrating the parachutes’ reliability even amid significant variations in flight parameters.

The tests were carried out with active support from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of DRDO, and TBRL, highlighting inter-agency collaboration in the mission.

India’s Gaganyaan mission aims to send a three-member crew into a 400-km orbit for three days and bring them back safely, with the Crew Module scheduled to land in Indian waters.