ISRO Successfully Conducts Drogue Parachute Deployment Tests for Gaganyaan Mission
VARUN MOURYA
In a significant development for the Gaganyaan mission, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)/ISRO has conducted a series of successful Drogue Parachute Deployment Tests. These tests, carried out in collaboration with Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE)/DRDO, were held at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh from August 8 to 10, 2023.
The Gaganyaan mission, aimed at safely transporting astronauts to and from space, relies heavily on the deployment of drogue parachutes. These parachutes play a crucial role in stabilizing the crew module and reducing its velocity during re-entry, ensuring the safety of the crew.
The drogue parachutes, strategically packed within pyro-based mortars, are ingeniously designed to be ejected into the air upon command. These conical ribbon-type parachutes, boasting an impressive 5.8-meter diameter, utilize a single-stage reefing mechanism to minimize canopy area and control opening shock, thereby facilitating a controlled and smooth descent.
During the three comprehensive tests conducted at the RTRS facility, various real-world scenarios were simulated to rigorously assess the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes. The first test simulated the maximum reefed load, marking a significant milestone by introducing reefing in a mortar-deployed parachute in India. The second test replicated the maximum disreefed load, while the third test showcased the deployment of the drogue parachute under conditions mirroring the maximum angle of attack experienced by the Crew Module during its mission.
These successful tests at the RTRS facility represent a crucial step in qualifying the drogue parachutes for integration into the upcoming Test Vehicle-D1 mission. Notably, earlier this year, RTRS tests of Pilot and Apex cover separation parachutes were also carried out, highlighting the advancements in the development of the Gaganyaan mission’s parachute system.
The intricate parachute sequence designed for the Gaganyaan crew module’s deceleration system comprises a total of 10 parachutes. The sequence begins with the deployment of two Apex cover separation parachutes, followed by the stabilization achieved through the deployment of two drogue parachutes. After the drogue parachutes are released, the mission progresses to the extraction phase, where three Pilot chutes individually extract three main parachutes. This step is crucial in reducing the speed of the Crew Module to safe levels, ensuring a secure landing.
This successful series of tests marks a significant advancement for the Gaganyaan mission, solidifying the readiness of the drogue parachutes and propelling India’s space endeavors forward.
