ISRO clears key milestone with first air drop test for Gaganyaan mission ahead of December launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a major breakthrough for its Gaganyaan mission by successfully completing the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) of the parachute-based deceleration system. The test, conducted with the support of the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard, marks a vital milestone in ensuring astronaut safety during re-entry.

According to ISRO, the demonstration validated the end-to-end performance of the parachute system that will slow down the crew module before landing. This test is a critical requirement before the first uncrewed Gaganyaan flight scheduled for December this year.

ISRO chairman V Narayanan said the Gaganyaan programme is progressing steadily, with nearly 80 per cent of required tests already completed. The upcoming G1 mission in December will feature the half-humanoid robot Vyommitra, serving as a precursor to India’s first human spaceflight.

The government has set a long-term roadmap for India’s space ambitions, including a crewed Gaganyaan flight by 2027, Chandrayaan-4 in 2028, a Venus mission, and the establishment of Bharat Antariksh Station by 2035. India also aims to place an astronaut on the Moon by 2040.