The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted Integrated Parachute tests, a crucial step in validating the deceleration systems for the Gaganyaan’s Crew Module splashdown at sea. The Crew Module is a specially designed, pressurised space vehicle that houses astronauts during take-off, space flights, and splashdowns. ISRO is also working on a solid motor based Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE), a special test rocket capable of performing numerous experiments under various test conditions.
During these tests, the Crew Module is separated from the vehicle at an altitude of 10 to 17 km. The Integrated Parachute tests, conducted on July 3 at ISRO’s Sriharikota centre, involved the deployment of about 10 parachutes. These parachutes play a critical role in reducing the velocity of the Crew Module as it descends and splashes down into the sea.