Gaganyaan parachute test
Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted an Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) for the Gaganyaan Crew Module on November 3, 2025, at the Babina Field Firing Range (BFFR) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.
The test forms part of a series of qualification trials to validate the parachute recovery system that will ensure a safe return of astronauts during the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
Structure of the Gaganyaan Parachute System
The system has a total of 10 parachutes, grouped into four types:
2 Apex Cover Separation Parachutes – remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment.
2 Drogue Parachutes – stabilise and decelerate the Crew Module after re-entry.
3 Pilot Parachutes – extract the main parachutes.
3 Main Parachutes – slow down the Crew Module for a safe touchdown.
ISRO highlighted that the system has built-in redundancy any two of the three main parachutes are sufficient for a safe landing.
Reefed Inflation Process
The main parachutes deploy in stages using a step-by-step reefed inflation technique:
Initially, the parachute opens partially (reefing) to limit opening shock.
After a set time delay, it fully inflates (disreefing) using a pyro device.
Latest Test
In this test, ISRO simulated an extreme condition a delayed disreefing between two main parachutes to validate the system’s performance under maximum design load.
A simulated mass equivalent to the Crew Module was dropped from a height of 2.5 km using an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft.
The parachutes deployed as planned, and the entire sequence executed successfully, confirming the reliability and robustness of the system.
Significance
Human Safety Validation:
This test is crucial for crew safety in the Gaganyaan mission, as the parachute system ensures a controlled descent and soft landing of astronauts after re-entry.Engineering Complexity:
The multi-stage deployment and redundancy design reflect advanced aerospace engineering and safety mechanisms that meet international human-spaceflight standards.Critical Step Toward Manned Flight:
Successful completion of the IMAT series will pave the way for final integrated flight testing, moving India closer to its first human spaceflight mission.Collaboration with the Indian Air Force:
The test underscores strong inter-agency coordination between ISRO and IAF in space mission readiness.Gaganyaan Mission Context:
Objective: To send Indian astronauts (Vyomnauts) to low Earth orbit (~400 km) for a short-duration mission.
Key agencies involved: ISRO, DRDO, IAF, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
Launch vehicle: Human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3).
Expected timeline: First uncrewed test flight (TV-D2) already completed; crewed mission planned in the coming years.
Prelims Practice MCQs
Q. With reference to the Gaganyaan Mission, consider the following statements:
The mission aims to send Indian astronauts to a geostationary orbit.
The Gaganyaan Crew Module is designed with multiple parachutes, of which two main parachutes are sufficient to ensure a safe landing.
The parachute system uses a process called “reefed inflation” to regulate the opening sequence.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect — Gaganyaan will place Indian astronauts in a low Earth orbit (~400 km), not a geostationary orbit (~36,000 km).
Statement 2 is correct — The system has three main parachutes, but two are sufficient for a safe landing, ensuring redundancy.
Statement 3 is correct — “Reefed inflation” ensures the parachute first opens partially and then fully (disreefing) to reduce stress during deployment.
Q. In the context of ISRO’s Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT), consider the following:
It was conducted using the Indian Air Force’s IL-76 aircraft.
It simulated an extreme scenario by delaying the disreefing between two main parachutes.
It was held at Sriharikota launch complex.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
✅ Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct — The test used an IL-76 aircraft of the Indian Air Force to drop the payload from a height of 2.5 km.
Statement 2 is correct — The test simulated delayed disreefing, a critical stress condition, to validate the system’s performance.
Statement 3 is incorrect — The test was held at Babina Field Firing Range (BFFR), Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh, not Sriharikota.