ISRO Successfully Conducts Critical Main Parachute Airdrop Test, Advancing Gaganyaan Mission’s Human Spaceflight Readiness

Updated: November 12, 2025 13:02

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ISRO completed a vital Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) for the Gaganyaan crew module at Babina Field Firing Range, Jhansi. The parachute system, designed with multiple redundancies, passed rigorous load and delay scenarios, marking a significant milestone for India’s first human spaceflight mission.

On November 3, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a key Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) as part of the Gaganyaan mission’s qualification process at the Babina Field Firing Range in Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh. This test validated the complex parachute system responsible for the crew module’s safe descent back to Earth.

The system includes 10 parachutes of four types deployed sequentially: two apex cover separation parachutes, followed by two drogue parachutes for stabilization and deceleration. After their release, three pilot parachutes extract three main parachutes which reduce the module’s velocity for a secure landing. The design ensures that two out of the three main parachutes suffice for safe touchdown, highlighting system redundancy.

This test uniquely simulated an extreme scenario of delayed opening between two main parachutes, evaluating structural integrity and load distribution under asymmetric conditions. A dummy module mimicking crew mass was dropped from 2.5 km altitude by an Indian Air Force IL-76 aircraft. The parachutes deployed flawlessly, confirming safe descent and soft landing.

The test involved collaboration between ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, DRDO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, Indian Air Force, and Indian Army, marking a vital step toward the planned crewed Gaganyaan mission.

Key Highlights

Successful Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test (IMAT) conducted on Nov 3, 2025 at Jhansi.
Parachute system comprises 10 parachutes of four types with sequential deployment.
System designed with redundancy: two main parachutes sufficient for safe landing.
Test simulated delayed main parachute opening, assessing load and structural resilience.
Dummy crew module dropped from 2.5 km using Indian Air Force’s IL-76 aircraft.
Multiorganizational collaboration ensures high safety standards for human spaceflight.
Marks a significant milestone ahead of Gaganyaan’s first crewed orbital mission.

Sources: ISRO official statement, ANI News, New Indian Express, Hindustan Times, Indian Express, CNBC TV18

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