ISRO Clears Crucial Parachute Test for Gaganyaan

Nellore:The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Tuesday successfully conducted the fifth Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT-05), marking another significant milestone in the development of the Gaganyaan mission. The test was carried out at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment drop zone in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh.

The Gaganyaan Crew Module's deceleration system consists of 10 parachutes of four different types. The descent sequence begins with two Apex Cover Separation parachutes that remove the protective cover, followed by two drogue parachutes that stabilise and decelerate the module. Three pilot parachutes are then deployed to extract three main parachutes, which reduce the Crew Module's speed and ensure a safe splashdown in the sea.

The objective of IMAT-05 was to validate the structural integrity and design margins of the main parachute under the maximum expected load conditions for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission. A simulated assembly comprising a single main parachute and a dummy payload was dropped from an altitude of 2.5 km using an Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

ISRO said the successful test, conducted jointly with the Defence Research and Development Organisation, the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army, has strengthened confidence in the performance and reliability of the main parachute system ahead of India's first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.