ISRO Conducts First SOLVE Ground Test for Gaganyaan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the first ground test of the solid motor for the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) on 3 July 2026 at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. SOLVE is a compact test vehicle developed for integrated parachute tests for the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module.

SOLVE Vehicle

SOLVE stands for Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments. It is designed to carry the crew module to an altitude of 10 to 17 km, after which the module separates and a sequence of 10 parachutes deploys for descent before splashdown in the sea.

Solid Motor and Design Features

The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle Strap-on Motor. The modified configuration includes a slow burn-rate propellant and a straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.

Gaganyaan Test Context

Gaganyaan is India’s human spaceflight programme, and its crew module uses a parachute-based deceleration system for atmospheric re-entry and sea recovery. The SOLVE vehicle provides a test platform for simulating different conditions for Gaganyaan mission trials.

Important Facts for Exams

• Satish Dhawan Space Centre is located at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
• The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, or PSLV, is one of ISRO’s major launch vehicles.
• Parachute deployment is a standard method used for slowing crew module descent during recovery missions.
• Static tests are ground-based tests conducted without launching the vehicle.

Mission Schedule

The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission was earlier scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The first uncrewed mission is now expected later in 2026.