The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has taken another decisive step toward India’s first human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, by successfully completing a crucial series of parachute deceleration qualification tests. Conducted on December 18–19, 2025, at the RTRS facility of TBRL in Chandigarh, the trials focused on validating the performance of the drogue parachutes that help stabilise and slow down the Gaganyaan Crew Module during re-entry.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed the breakthrough, noting that the tests had reaffirmed both the durability and reliability of the drogue parachutes under diverse and extreme flight conditions. He described the achievement as a meaningful stride toward India’s human space mission, highlighting the country’s steady progress toward a safe crewed flight.
Heartening to note that India has moved one more step closer to its first Human Space mission #Gaganyaan.
ISRO successfully completed the Drogue Parachute Deployment Qualification Tests for the Gaganyaan Crew Module at the RTRS facility of TBRL, Chandigarh, during 18–19 December… pic.twitter.com/ci47TQDaoA
— Dr Jitendra Singh (@DrJitendraSingh) December 20, 2025
ISRO explained that the crew module’s deceleration system consists of 10 parachutes across four types, each deployed in a carefully sequenced operation. The descent begins with two apex cover separation parachutes, followed by the release of two drogue parachutes that stabilise and reduce the module’s velocity. Once these drogues detach, three pilot parachutes deploy to extract the three main parachutes responsible for ensuring a controlled and safe landing.
This latest round of tests — supported by VSSC, ADRDE and TBRL — marks a key qualification milestone, reinforcing mission readiness as India inches closer to launching astronauts into space.
