The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved another milestone in its ambitious Gaganyaan Mission. On November 3, 2025, ISRO conducted a crucial Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) at the Babina Field Firing Range (BFFR) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh.This test was part of a continuing qualification series aimed at ensuring that the parachute system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module can bring astronauts safely back to Earth after re-entry. Inside the Gaganyaan Parachute System The Gaganyaan Crew Module is equipped with a complex parachute system made up of 10 parachutes of four different types. These work in a carefully timed sequence during descent: ISRO has designed the system with built-in redundancy meaning even two out of the three main parachutes are enough to ensure a safe touchdown. How the Test Was Conducted For this test, ISRO used an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft to drop a simulated crew module mass from an altitude of 2.5 kilometres. The descent was observed closely to validate the parachute performance. According to ISRO, the test article achieved a stable descent and a smooth landing, proving the strength and reliability of the parachute design. The trial also recreated one of the most challenging scenarios a delay in the opening (disreefing) of one of the main parachutes. This condition was deliberately tested to check how the system performs under uneven load and stress, and it passed successfully, confirming its durability under extreme conditions. A Collaborative Effort This important test was made possible through the combined efforts of several institutions, including the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Indian Air Force, and Indian Army. Their collaboration highlights India’s integrated approach toward developing indigenous space technologies for human spaceflight. Next steps for the Gaganyaan mission The Gaganyaan Mission is India’s first human spaceflight programme, aimed at demonstrating the country’s ability to launch, sustain, and safely return astronauts from space. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan recently announced plans for three uncrewed missions before sending humans to space. The first uncrewed flight, carrying the half-humanoid robot Vyommitra, is scheduled for December 2025, while the crewed mission is expected to follow in 2027.
The post ISRO successfully completes Gaganyaan crew module’s main parachutes trial:Test comes as ISRO prepares for Gaganyaan’s first uncrewed launch, expected as early as January 2026 appeared first on Tri-Cities India.