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India achieved a significant milestone in its human spaceflight programme as the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted a qualification-level load test of the Drogue Parachute for the Gaganyaan mission.

• Test conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
• Utilised the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility to simulate dynamic flight conditions.
• The parachute was tested under loads higher than expected flight loads to validate safety and reliability.

What is the Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute?

• A crucial component of the Crew Module deceleration system.
• Deployed during atmospheric re-entry.
• Functions to:
  • Stabilize the Crew Module.
  • Reduce velocity before main parachutes deploy.
  • Ensure safe splashdown/landing of astronauts.

Developed collaboratively by:

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• DRDO

Gaganyaan Deceleration System

The Crew Module recovery system consists of 10 parachutes (4 types):

• Apex Cover Separation Parachutes (2): Remove protective apex cover.
• Drogue Parachutes (2): Stabilize module at high altitude, Reduce velocity during transition phase.
• Pilot Parachutes (3): Extract main parachutes.
• Main Parachutes (3): Provide final deceleration for safe landing.

The drogue parachutes serve as the critical transition stage, ensuring controlled descent before deployment of main canopies.

Key Technical Features

• High-strength ribbon parachute design
  • Ribbon-type structure allows controlled airflow.
  • Reduces shock loads.
  • Ensures high tensile strength during high-speed descent.
• Qualification-level testing
  • Tested beyond maximum expected flight loads.
  • Enhances mission safety margins.
• Designed for extreme conditions
  • Capable of functioning under:
    • Rapid velocity changes
    • Turbulence
    • Variable atmospheric pressures
• Dynamic validation: High-speed testing using RTRS facility simulates near-real re-entry conditions.

Significance for India’s Human Spaceflight Programme

• Strengthens safety architecture of Gaganyaan.
• Demonstrates indigenous capability in complex recovery systems.
• Enhances collaboration between ISRO and DRDO.
• Critical for safe astronaut recovery after orbital mission.