Indian Space Research Organisation conducts air drop test ahead of December Gaganyaan launch

In a major step towards India’s ambitious maiden human spaceflight mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) of the parachute-based deceleration system designed for Gaganyaan.

- BY S VENKAT NARAYAN

(Gaganyaan is an Indian crewed orbital spacecraft intended to be the formative spacecraft of the Indian Human Spaceflight Programme. The spacecraft is being designed to carry three people, and a planned upgraded version will be equipped with rendezvous and docking capabilities.)

The test marks a critical phase in validating the safety mechanisms that will ensure astronauts’ secure return to Earth.

The demonstration was carried out in close coordination with the Indian Air Force (IAF), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Navy and Coast Guard, reflecting the collaborative spirit underpinning the Gaganyaan programme.