Gaganyaan Mission Advances: ISRO’s Air Drop Test Signals Progress

ISRO’s recent Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) marks a key achievement for the Gaganyaan mission, which focuses on the parachute-based deceleration system. This test is designed to assess the safety features required for astronauts’ safe return. The test was a collaborative effort, including the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. The agency announced the success on ‘X’. India’s first uncrewed mission of the Gaganyaan programme, G1 with Vyommitra, the half-humanoid robot, is scheduled for December. According to ISRO officials, the mission is on track, with most tests completed and the remainder scheduled to finish by March next year. The Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) is ready. The Orbital Module’s propulsion systems for the Crew Module and Service Module have been tested. The Crew Escape System (CES) has been developed and tested. Infrastructure development for the mission includes the Orbital Module Preparation Facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, and crew training facilities. Precursor missions, like the TV-D1, are progressing to validate the Crew Escape System (CES). Flight operations and communication network configurations are finalized. Plans for crew recovery operations are in place. Major components of the first Uncrewed Mission (G1) have been completed.