10 parachutes for safe return landing: Main parachutes for ISRO's Gaganyaan mission tested successfully

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The second test of the parachutes for safely landing the crew module of Gaganyaan, India's dream mission to send humans into space, was a complete success. The test simulated a delay in the "disreefing" process to ensure the crew module's structural integrity and a safe landing under asymmetric load conditions, confirming the design's robustness.

The test involved dropping an object (six tonnes) equivalent to the weight of the crew module to a height of 2.5 km using an IAF IL-76 aircraft, then slowing it down and gently landing it on the ground using parachutes.

ISRO made the announcement yesterday after evaluating the test conducted at the Babina Field Firing Range in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on November 3 and finding it successful. The first test conducted in August was also successful.

This will give ISRO a boost of confidence as the first unmanned test launch of Gaganyaan is scheduled to take place next January. The parachute system was developed in collaboration with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, Indian Air Force and Indian Army.

10 parachutes for landing

Ten parachutes of four types will be used to bring the Gaganyaan crew module back to Earth. These will be deployed in a sequential manner. Their operation will begin with the opening of the two cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment. Two drogue parachutes will be deployed to slow down the module. This will be followed by three pilot parachutes that will separate the three main parachutes. This will reduce the speed and pave the way for a safe landing. The module is designed to be able to land even when only two of the three main parachutes are fully deployed. That is what was tested this time.