Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully completed the drogue parachute deployment qualification test for the Gaganyaan Crew Module at the Rail Tracked Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of DRDO’s Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh. Through these tests, the performance and reliability of the Drogue parachute was confirmed in various flight conditions, which is an important step towards qualifying the parachute system for the human space flight (Mission Gaganyaan) programme.
ISRO issued an official statement on Saturday (December 20, 2025) saying that this test was conducted during Thursday-Friday (December 18-19, 2025). ISRO said both tests met all pre-determined objectives, confirming drogue performance and reliability in challenging conditions.
Multi-stage parachute assembly consists of 10 parachutes
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
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 20, 2025
The deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module is a complex, multi-stage parachute assembly, consisting of 10 parachutes of four types. The vehicle’s descent sequence begins with the deployment of two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment. After this both drogue parachutes are deployed, which stabilize the module and also significantly increase its speed. At the same time, when the drogue parachutes complete their work properly, then three pilot parachutes are deployed so that the main parachute can be deployed. These main parachutes further slow down the crew module, ensuring a controlled descent and safe landing.
Role of drogue parachute is very important- ISRO
ISRO said, “Drogue parachutes play a very important role in these stages. They are responsible not only for stabilizing the crew module after re-entry into the atmosphere, but also for reducing its speed to a level suitable for deployment of the main parachute.”
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