Bengaluru, December 20 (IANS). The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has achieved another important success for the Gaganyaan mission. A series of qualification tests of drogue parachute were successfully completed at the Rail Tracked Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Terminal Ballistic Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh on 18th and 19th December. These tests were conducted for the development of the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module.
Gaganyaan is India’s first human spaceflight mission, in which three Indian astronauts will go into low Earth orbit. The deceleration system is extremely important for the safe return of the crew module. This system includes a total of 10 parachutes, which are of four types. The landing sequence begins with two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover of the parachute compartment.
Two drogue parachutes then deploy, which stabilize the module and reduce its high speed during re-entry. When the drogue parachute is released, three pilot parachutes activate, releasing the three main parachutes. The main parachutes ultimately slow the crew module down enough to allow a safe landing in the ocean.
Drogue parachutes are a vital part of this entire system, as they control the module at extreme speeds and in difficult conditions. The main objective of this test series was to rigorously evaluate the reliability and performance of these parachutes in extreme conditions. Both tests at the RTRS facility were successful, with all targets achieved. The strength of the parachutes was proven even in various flight conditions.
These tests were conducted under the leadership of Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC), ISRO, with active participation from Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), DRDO and TBRL, DRDO. This success marks a major step forward towards qualifying Gaganyaan’s parachute system for human flight.
Gaganyaan mission will include India in the list of select countries which can independently send humans into space. Mission preparations are in full swing, and these tests will prove to be a milestone in ensuring the safety of the astronauts.
–IANS
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