ISRO to conduct parachute testing for Gaganyaan by dropping module from helicopter

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for an important test under the Gaganyaan mission, which involves checking the parachute system of the crew module. The Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT) will be conducted in the next few days, with a Chinook helicopter dropping the crew module from a height of around 4-5 km.

This test will simulate the process of splashdown, where both parachutes open in a timely manner. Subsequent tests will explore off-nominal conditions, such as one parachute not opening, both parachutes failing to open, or delayed deployment of the parachutes.

After the crew module splashes down, another helicopter will locate it, and the Navy will recover it and bring it to the Chennai coast. This recovery process is crucial, especially after the crew module turned upside down during a previous test mission.

The crew module, which will carry three Indian astronauts to space and back, will undergo further test vehicle missions before the first unmanned mission. These missions will involve a single-stage rocket carrying the modules several kilometers into space to test all systems.

ISRO officials emphasize that this is uncharted territory, and the number of tests required will depend on the findings from these initial trials. The successful completion of these tests will be a significant milestone in India’s ambitious Gaganyaan mission.