DRDO successfully qualifies Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute in high-speed load test at Chandigarh facility

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully conducted the qualification-level load test of the Gaganyaan mission’s drogue parachute at its advanced Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility in Chandigarh.

DRDO carries out high-speed tests

The high-speed test was carried out at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), which houses the specialised RTRS dynamic testing system.

Recognised as one of India’s most advanced ground-based dynamic evaluation platforms, the RTRS facility is extensively used for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic assessments critical to both defence and space applications.

The drogue parachute plays a pivotal role in India’s flagship human spaceflight programme, Gaganyaan.

During the crew module’s return journey to Earth, the drogue parachute is deployed in the initial phase of descent.

Its primary function is to stabilise the module and significantly reduce its velocity before the main parachutes are released.

The system’s reliability is essential to ensuring the safe recovery of astronauts.

In the latest trial, the parachute was subjected to loads exceeding the maximum levels expected during actual flight conditions.

By simulating stresses beyond operational requirements, the qualification test demonstrated an additional safety margin in the parachute’s design.

Such rigorous validation ensures that the system can endure extreme conditions, reinforcing mission safety and reliability.

The test was conducted in collaboration with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), along with DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).

Dedicated teams from TBRL provided advanced instrumentation, technical expertise, and operational support to execute the high-speed evaluation with precision.

Officials noted that the successful qualification indicates India’s expanding capability in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes tailored for complex aerospace missions.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, ISRO, and industry partners for the achievement, describing it as a major stride toward strengthening the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat in critical space technologies.

The Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO also commended the scientific teams for reaching this crucial qualification milestone.

With every successful validation, Gaganyaan advances closer to realising India’s goal of sending its own astronauts into space and ensuring their safe return using fully indigenous systems.

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