ISRO successfully tests drogue parachutes for Gaganyaan crew module | Watch

These tests were completed at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, on December 18 and 19, the ISRO said.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Saturday said it has successfully completed a series of qualification tests for drogue parachutes being developed as part of the deceleration system for the Gaganyaan crew module.

The tests were conducted on December 18 and 19 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh. According to ISRO, the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan crew module consists of 10 parachutes of four different types.

Explaining the descent sequence, the space agency said it begins with the separation of two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover from the parachute compartment. This is followed by the deployment of two drogue parachutes that stabilise and decelerate the crew module.

“Upon release of the drogues, three pilot parachutes are deployed to extract three main parachutes, which further slow down the crew module to ensure a safe touchdown,” ISRO said.

Heartening to note that India has moved one more step closer to its first Human Space mission #Gaganyaan. ISRO successfully completed the Drogue Parachute Deployment Qualification Tests for the Gaganyaan Crew Module at the RTRS facility of TBRL, Chandigarh, during 18–19 December… pic.twitter.com/ci47TQDaoA

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— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 20, 2025

Highlighting the importance of the tests, ISRO said the deployment of drogue parachutes is a crucial stage, as they play a key role in stabilising the crew module and reducing its speed to safe levels during atmospheric re-entry.

“The objective of this specific test series was to rigorously evaluate the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes under extreme conditions. Both the RTRS tests on drogue parachutes were successfully conducted on December 18 and 19, 2025, achieving all the test objectives and confirming their robustness even under the situation of significant variation in flight conditions,” the space agency stated.

ISRO said the successful completion of the tests marks another important milestone in qualifying the parachute system for human spaceflight. The tests were carried out with active support and participation from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, and TBRL.