The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed qualification tests for drogue parachutes critical to the Gaganyaan crew module's deceleration system on December 18-19, 2025, at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL). The tests, conducted under extreme conditions to simulate varying flight parameters, met all objectives and validated the parachutes' reliability for stabilising and slowing the module during atmospheric re-entry.

The drogue parachutes form a vital part of the crew module's parachute-based deceleration system, which comprises a total of 10 parachutes across four types: two apex cover separation parachutes to remove the protective cover, two drogue parachutes for initial stabilisation and deceleration, three pilot parachutes to deploy the main ones, and three large main parachutes for final slowdown to a safe touchdown velocity in sea waters.

These rocket sled tests at TBRL's high-speed facility in Chandigarh rigorously evaluated deployment and performance, building on prior air-drop validations. The effort involved collaboration between ISRO's Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), DRDO's Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), and TBRL, highlighting inter-agency synergy in advancing human-rated systems.

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This milestone brings India closer to its first crewed space mission, Gaganyaan, planned to send three astronauts to a 400 km orbit for a three-day flight before a safe return. With uncrewed test flights upcoming, the successful parachute qualification enhances confidence in crew safety, marking steady progress in India's ambitious human spaceflight programme.

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