ISRO Gears Up to Test Critical Parachute Safety of Gaganyaan

• ISRO has released a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) regarding the test
• The test may be carried out sometime this week
• This test represents one of the last significant preparatory actions

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the first Integrated Air-Drop Test of the Gaganyaan Crew Module. This crucial test will validate the parachute system and the capsule, which are essential for the safe return of astronauts from space.

This air-drop test goes beyond routine procedures; it showcases ISRO’s dedication to maintaining the highest safety standards for its astronauts. The successful completion of this test will mark a major milestone for India, advancing it towards its objective of launching its first manned spaceflight, planned for 2025.

ISRO has released a Notice to Airmen (NotAm) regarding the test, although the specific date remains undisclosed. According to India Today, sources close to the project suggest that the test could take place sometime this week, contingent on suitable weather and technical preparations

One of Last Significant Preparations

This test is one of the last significant preparations ahead of the Gaganyaan mission’s initial uncrewed orbital flight. The crew module—outfitted with sophisticated life support and emergency escape features—is essential for ensuring the safety and success of the forthcoming manned missions.

The crew capsule, made from durable materials—such as aluminium and steel—will be attached beneath a Chinook helicopter. Once it reaches the specified altitude, the capsule will be dropped over the ocean. This will trigger a sequence of parachute openings that gradually slow down its fall, leading to a controlled splashdown in the sea.

The test will involve dropping the crew capsule from a height of about 3.5 to 4 kilometres using an Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopter. Its goal is to evaluate how the parachutes function, their deployment, ability to manage tensions, stabilize and control the descent to ensure the crew module lands safely in the Bay of Bengal.

The Key Aspects of Parachute Testing

o Function: Ensuring each part of the parachute system works as designed under real conditions

o Deployment: How effectively the parachutes are released from the crew module for timely, smooth deployment

o Managing Tensions: The ability of the parachute straps and connections to withstand the forces of deployment and descent, preventing any failures

o Ability to Stabilize: How well the parachutes can keep the crew module stable in descent, preventing dangerous spinning or swaying

o Controlling Descent: How the parachutes control the speed and trajectory of the descending module, aiming for a safe splashdown

Backgrounder on Gaganyaan Mission

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier announced that four astronauts—all IAF test pilots—had been selected to spearhead the mission. They include Group Captain Prashanth Balakrishnan, Group Captain Ajith Krishnan, Group Captain Angad Pratap and Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla.

Gaganyaan is a project by ISRO, India’s space agency, to send humans into space using an Indian-made rocket. The team at ISRO is currently working hard to make sure that all parts of the mission are reliable and safe for the astronauts. Before any astronauts go to space, there will be two test flights without any people on board. If these tests go well, ISRO plans to have its first mission with astronauts by 2025.

The Gaganyaan spacecraft is designed to carry up to three people, but ISRO chairman S Somanath has mentioned the possibility of just one astronaut going on the initial mission. He emphasized the need for the astronaut’s mental well-being. For the first Gaganyaan flight, the plan is to have up to two astronauts travel in the spacecraft for up to seven days at a height of 400 kilometres above Earth.

Out of four trained candidates, two will be selected for the mission, while the other two will serve as backups. Additionally, one of these four astronauts may get a chance to visit the International Space Station before Gaganyaan’s first journey.

By Girish Linganna, Aerospace & Defence Analyst

(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)

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