The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a significant advancement in its human spaceflight program with the completion of the Drogue Parachute Deployment Qualification Tests for the Gaganyaan Crew Module. This milestone signifies India’s progressive steps toward its first manned space mission.
The tests took place at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on December 18 and 19, 2025. During these tests, ISRO evaluated the performance of the drogue parachutes, which are a vital part of the crew module’s deceleration system that consists of a total of 10 parachutes across four different types. These parachutes are essential for ensuring a safe stabilization and speed reduction during both descent and re-entry phases of the mission.
ISRO detailed the descent sequence involved in the parachute deployment, which initiates with the separation of two apex cover parachutes that remove the protective covering of the parachute compartment. This is immediately followed by the deployment of two drogue parachutes meant to stabilize and decelerate the crew module. The process continues with the deployment of three pilot parachutes, which then extract three main parachutes, further ensuring a safe landing for the crew module.
The primary aim of this test series was to rigorously assess the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes under a range of extreme conditions, including variations in flight parameters. Both tests met their planned objectives, confirming the robustness of the parachute system.
ISRO highlighted that this achievement marks an important step toward qualifying the parachute system necessary for human spaceflight. The tests were conducted with the collaborative support of various organizations, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
This successful milestone bolsters India’s readiness for the upcoming Gaganyaan missions, which aim to safely transport Indian astronauts into space and subsequently return them to Earth.
