ISRO Successfully Conducts Air Drop Test ahead of Gaganyaan Launch

ISRO Successfully Conducts Air Drop Test ahead of Gaganyaan Launch

Why in News? 

ISRO marked a significant step in the Gaganyaan Mission by conducting the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) of the parachute deployment system at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

• In this test a dummy module was released successfully from an aircraft to check the functioning of the parachutes. 
• The trial was held with the support of the Indian Air Force and other defence partners.

What is the Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT)?

• About: The Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT) is a full-scale trial carried out by ISRO to check the working of its parachute-based deceleration system for Gaganyaan. It simulates real-flight landing of a crew module. A mock capsule is lifted to a few kilometres altitude by an Indian Air Force helicopter. It then undergoes the full parachute deployment sequence. 

• Parts: The system uses ten parachutes in a set order. First the two Apex Cover Separation (ACS) release the protective cover. Next the two drogue parachutes open to stabilize and slow the module. During the sequence, three pilot parachutes are deployed, and each of them is responsible for extracting a main parachute. Three main parachutes are enough to land safely. The third acts as a backup.

• Timeline: ISRO conducted an Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) on 18 November 2022. The test used a 5-ton dummy mass dropped from an IL-76 aircraft at 2.5 km altitude. 

• • On 24 August 2025, the first complete IADT was carried out using an IAF Chinook helicopter, which released a 4.8-tonne dummy crew module from an altitude of about 3 kilometers.

What Is a Deceleration System and How Does It Work?

• About: A deceleration system is a set of devices or mechanisms designed to reduce the speed of an object moving at high velocity. The system works by applying controlled resistance against the motion of the object. This concept is widely used in aviation, space missions, automobiles, and even daily life safety gear. The word deceleration commonly refers to the reduction of velocity over time. It is often called negative acceleration in physics.

• Working Process: One of the most common types of deceleration systems is the parachute system. The working process has clear stages:

• 1. Release Stage – The parachute is released from its pack when a trigger mechanism activates.
  2. Inflation Stage – The canopy fabric fills with air and creates drag force.
  3. Drag Force Action – The parachute slows the object by increasing air resistance against its motion.
  4. Stabilization Stage – Guide ropes and canopy design keep the object aligned and reduce tumbling.
  5. Landing Stage – The object touches the ground at a controlled speed within safe limits.

Progress of Gaganyaan Mission

• • Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3): The mission requires a highly reliable launch vehicle. The HLVM3, also known as the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3, has been developed for this purpose. It is a modified version of the LVM3, which has already proven its ability in launching heavy payloads. By the year 2024, ISRO had already finished the development and ground trials of the Human Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM3).

• Orbital Module: The Orbital Module is the part of the spacecraft that carries astronauts into orbit. The Orbital Module designed for the mission is divided into two main elements, namely the Crew Module and the Service Module. 

• Prototype-level assessments of the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) have been completed to validate functions such as air circulation and temperature control.

• The propulsion systems of both sections have undergone multiple qualification tests. 

• This system will provide oxygen, remove carbon dioxide, and regulate cabin temperature for astronauts. 

• Crew Escape System (CES): For safety during launch emergencies, ISRO built the Crew Escape System (CES), which uses multiple solid motors to quickly detach the crew module from the rocket. In October 2023, the Test TV-D1 successfully validated this system in flight. The escape system will continue to undergo further tests before the first crewed launch. 

• Infrastructure: The Orbital Module Preparation Facility was established to integrate and check spacecraft systems before flight. The Gaganyaan Control Centre has been set up to handle dedicated mission operations. A Crew Training Facility in Bengaluru is training Indian Air Force pilots selected as astronauts. The second launch pad at Sriharikota has been modified with safety systems to support human missions. These infrastructure projects are complete and are now in the operational stage. 

• Test Vehicle: The Test Vehicle Demonstration-1 (TV-D1) was carried out in 2023 from Sriharikota. This mission validated the Crew Escape System under real launch conditions. Test Vehicle Demonstration-2 (TV-D2) will be tested soon.

• Training of Astronauts: A group of four Indian Air Force pilots has been selected and trained to serve as the first set of astronauts for the mission. They completed basic training in Russia in 2021 and have been undergoing advanced training in Bengaluru since 2022. Training modules include spacecraft systems, microgravity simulations, survival training, and emergency drills.