Overview
- ISRO confirmed a November 3 Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test at Babina Field Firing Range in Jhansi using an IAF IL‑76 to release a crew‑module‑mass simulator from 2.5 km.
- Engineers exercised a delayed disreefing between two main parachutes, validating structural integrity and load distribution under asymmetric conditions.
- The test article achieved a stable descent and soft landing, confirming the robustness of the parachute design under a critical load scenario.
- Gaganyaan’s descent system uses 10 parachutes of four types in sequence—apex cover, drogues, pilot chutes, then three mains—with redundancy so two mains can ensure a safe touchdown.
- The campaign involved VSSC, ADRDE, DRDO, the Indian Air Force and the Army, marking a step toward qualifying the system for planned uncrewed demonstrations and eventual crewed flights.