The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed the first ground test of the solid motor for its Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE), marking another milestone in preparations for the country's ambitious Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The test was carried out on July 3 at the static test facility of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, ISRO announced.

According to ISRO, the SOLVE vehicle is being developed as a dedicated test platform to support various Gaganyaan missions by providing greater flexibility in validating critical technologies under different mission conditions. Scientists said the vehicle will enable the space agency to conduct multiple test missions and simulate a range of operational scenarios before India's first crewed spaceflight, helping improve mission reliability and safety.

One of the primary objectives of the SOLVE platform is to conduct integrated parachute tests for the Gaganyaan crew module's deceleration system. During these tests, the crew module will be carried to an altitude of approximately 10 to 17 kilometres before separating from the launch vehicle. The sequence is designed to replicate conditions that astronauts would experience during the final phase of a mission, allowing engineers to evaluate the performance of key recovery systems.

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Following separation, a series of 10 parachutes will be deployed in a carefully timed sequence to gradually reduce the velocity of the crew module before it splashes down safely in the sea. The parachute system is considered one of the most critical safety components of the Gaganyaan mission, as it ensures the controlled descent and safe recovery of the spacecraft carrying astronauts. The SOLVE platform will allow ISRO to validate the integrated functioning of these parachutes under realistic flight conditions.

ISRO said the solid stage of the SOLVE vehicle has been derived from the proven Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) strap-on motor, with several modifications made to meet the specific requirements of Gaganyaan test missions. By adapting an established propulsion system, the agency aims to leverage the PSLV's reliability while tailoring the vehicle for sub-orbital experiments focused on crew safety and recovery technologies.

The successful ground test represents another important step in India's preparations for its first human spaceflight mission. The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate the capability to send Indian astronauts into low-Earth orbit and return them safely to Earth. In the lead-up to the crewed mission, ISRO is conducting a series of unmanned test flights and system validation exercises to verify the performance of critical technologies, including launch systems, crew escape mechanisms, parachutes and recovery operations. The successful testing of the SOLVE solid motor is expected to enhance the flexibility and effectiveness of these future qualification missions.

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