New Delhi, November 11 (IANS). Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) achieved a major achievement for the human space mission ‘Gaganyaan’. ISRO successfully tested the main parachute system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module at the Babina Field Firing Range (BFFR) in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh on November 3. This test is part of the ongoing Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) series for qualification of the parachute system of the Gaganyaan mission.
The parachute system developed for the Gaganyaan Crew Module consists of a total of 10 parachutes, divided into 4 types. Its descent sequence begins with two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment. Two drogue parachutes are then deployed, stabilizing and decelerating the module.
After the drogues are released the three pilot parachutes activate, ejecting the three main parachutes. These main parachutes reduce the speed of the crew module, ensuring a safe landing. The system also features additional safety (redundancy), allowing safe landing with only two main parachutes.
The main parachute is operated in a staged process called reefed inflation. In this process the parachute first opens partially (reefing) and after a certain time opens completely (deserefing). This entire process is controlled with the help of pyro device.
Recent,testing simulated an extreme case of potential delay in,decrypting. In this situation the structural strength and load distribution of the system was examined during uneven deflation between the two main parachutes. This test was conducted to confirm the maximum design limits of the parachute system designed by ISRO.
For this, a simulated payload weighing equal to the crew module was released from an IL-76 aircraft of the Indian Air Force from a height of about 2.5 kilometers. The parachute system functioned according to the planned sequence, and the test model achieved a soft landing with a stable descent. This proved that the parachute design is completely strong and reliable.
This successful test ensures another major step towards qualifying the parachute system of Gaganyaan mission for human space flight. Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), DRDO, Indian Air Force and Indian Army had active participation in this mission.
The successful completion of this test marks another important step towards qualifying the parachute system for human spaceflight, in which Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), DRDO, Indian Air Force and Indian Army actively participated.
–IANS
PSK/ABM