ISRO Tests Main Parachutes for Gaganyaan Crew Module

The Indian Space Research Organisation conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test-05 (IMAT-05) for the Gaganyaan Mission on 7 July 2026. The test took place at the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment drop zone in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, and involved a simulated main parachute assembly with a dummy mass.

Gaganyaan Crew Module Deceleration System

The Gaganyaan Crew Module deceleration system includes 10 parachutes of four types. The system is designed for splashdown in the ocean after atmospheric re-entry.

Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test

IMAT-05 was the fifth test in the Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test series for the Gaganyaan Mission. The test used an Indian Air Force IL-76 transport aircraft to drop the payload from an altitude of 2.5 kilometres.

Parachute Deployment Sequence

The test sequence included deployment of an extractor parachute, a drogue parachute, and a main parachute. The main parachute reduced the descent speed of the payload to a safe terminal velocity.

Important Facts for Exams

• Gaganyaan is India’s human spaceflight programme.
• ISRO is the national space agency of India.
• DRDO, the Indian Air Force, and the Indian Army took part in the test.
• Parachute qualification tests are part of crew module safety validation.

Mission Context

The test was linked to the uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission. The main parachute was assessed for structural integrity and design margins under maximum expected load conditions.