Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved milestone on 24 August 2025 by successfully conducting its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1). This test is crucial for the Gaganyaan mission, India’s maiden human spaceflight programme. The trial demonstrated the reliability of the parachute-based deceleration system designed to safely return astronauts to Earth. This achievement marks a key step towards human-rating India’s spaceflight launch and recovery systems.
Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) Overview
The IADT-1 involved dropping a dummy crew capsule weighing around five tonnes from a Chinook helicopter. The capsule descended several kilometres while its parachutes deployed in a precise sequence. This sequence slowed the capsule to a safe splashdown speed. The test validated the parachute system’s performance under real-world conditions. During actual missions, the parachutes will deploy after atmospheric re-entry and initial deceleration by heat shields and drogue parachutes.
Significance
The ascent, descent, and splashdown phases of Gaganyaan pose the highest risks to astronauts. The parachute system is vital to ensure a controlled and safe landing. The test confirms that the crew module’s deceleration system can function reliably during these critical phases. This success builds confidence in the safety measures for human spaceflight.
Collaborative National Effort
ISRO’s test integrated efforts from multiple national agencies including the Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Navy, and Coast Guard. This coordination is essential for human-rating the launch and recovery systems. It demonstrates India’s growing capability to manage complex space missions involving crew safety and recovery operations.
Preparatory Work and Infrastructure
Major preparatory work for Gaganyaan has been completed. Propulsion systems for the crew and service modules have been developed and tested. The environmental control and life support system engineering model is ready. Five types of motors for the Crew Escape System (CES) have been developed and statically tested. Infrastructure such as the orbital module preparation facility, Gaganyaan Control Centre, crew training facility, and modifications to the second launch pad have been established.
Upcoming Missions
Following IADT-1, ISRO plans additional test vehicle flights including TV-D2 and the uncrewed G1 mission. These will validate crew escape mechanisms, propulsion units, parachute systems, and ground recovery operations. The Gaganyaan programme is part of a broader roadmap that includes establishing the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) by 2035 and an Indian moon landing by 2040.
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