ISRO: has finished testing the drogue parachutes that are essential for the Gaganyaan crew module

ISRO: The successful completion of a series of qualification tests for the drogue parachutes, a crucial part of the Gaganyaan Crew Module’s deceleration system, was announced by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on Saturday.

The tests were carried out at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory’s Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh on December 18 and 19, 2025.

Ten parachutes of four distinct varieties were used in the test series, according to ISRO experts. Two apex separation parachutes, which take off the parachute compartments’ protective covering, kicked off the drop procedure.

Two drogue parachutes that stabilize and slow down the Crew Module were then released. Three pilot parachutes were used to remove the three main parachutes once the drogue parachutes were released. This further decreased the module’s speed to guarantee a safe landing.

They clarified that the drogue parachutes’ deployment is an essential component of the system as they stabilize the Crew Module and lower its velocity to a safe level both during splashdown and re-entry into Earth’s orbit.

This particular test series’ goal was to thoroughly assess the drogue parachutes’ dependability and performance in harsh environments. Even in the face of considerable variance in flying circumstances, we have met all test goals and verified their resilience,” the researchers said.

As part of the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO carried out the first Integrated Air Drop Test earlier in August to guarantee the safety of crew recovery. near November, the Babina Field Firing Range near Jhansi hosted another test of the Gaganyaan Crew Module’s main parachutes. This test was a component of the Integrated Main Parachute Drop Test, which determined if the parachute system was suitable for the mission.

In order to confirm and determine the performance of engines and thrusters in orbit, especially during the boosting and de-boosting stages, the ISRO team also conducted service module propulsion system hot tests in July.