The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) marked a significant milestone on Wednesday, successfully conducting the qualification test for the Gaganyaan drogue parachute. This crucial test aims to ensure the safe recovery of astronauts upon their return from space.

The drogue parachute, a small yet tough mechanism, is designed to deploy first when a spacecraft re-enters the Earth's atmosphere. It plays an essential role in stabilizing the spacecraft, preventing it from spinning uncontrollably at extremely high speeds, which allows larger parachutes to deploy safely.

The test was conducted at DRDO labs in Chandigarh, utilizing a fast rocket sled to simulate hazardous conditions. The parachute was subjected to forces exceeding those it would encounter during actual flight, and the successful outcome highlights the collaborative efforts between DRDO and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

According to a statement by the Ministry of Defence, “The test proves India’s expertise in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes. This achievement underscores TBRL’s significant contributions to providing advanced test facilities, instrumentation, and technical expertise for space and defence programmes.”

The Gaganyaan capsule, which weighs over 5 tons, plummets from space at a staggering speed of 27,000 km/h. The drogue parachute is pivotal for stopping the spin of the capsule, ensuring a safe descent facilitated by the main parachutes that follow.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh hailed the test as a significant achievement for India’s self-reliance initiative, Atmanirbhar Bharat. He emphasized that this milestone clears the path for upcoming test flights and positions India to send astronauts into orbit by 2027, joining the ranks of the USA, Russia, and China in the world of human spaceflight.

Gaganyaan is ISRO’s ambitious endeavor to send three astronauts into low-Earth orbit, with the crew module being launched aboard the GSLV Mk-III. Recent successes, including the drogue parachute tests, play a vital role in ensuring crew safety. Indian astronauts have begun training in Russia, while the humanoid robot Vyommitra is set to conduct a test flight ahead of the crewed mission.

This fully indigenous program not only aims to position India as the fourth nation to achieve independent human spaceflight but also lays the foundation for the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station by 2035.