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How will tests ‘SOLVE’ Gaganyaan astronauts safe landing | Explained

Published July 6, 2026 at 2:55 PM UTC

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been diligently working on the Gaganyaan mission, India's first crewed spaceflight program, aiming to send three astronauts into a 400 km Low Earth Orbit (LEO) for a duration of three days. A critical aspect of this mission is ensuring the safe return of the crew module, which necessitates rigorous testing of the descent and landing systems.

**Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02):**

On April 11, 2026, ISRO successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This test was pivotal in validating the parachute-based deceleration system designed to ensure a controlled descent and safe landing of the crew module. During the test, a simulated crew module, weighing approximately 5.7 tonnes, was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to an altitude of about 3 kilometers. The module was then released over a designated sea drop zone near the Sriharikota coast. The parachute system, comprising ten parachutes of four types, deployed in a precise sequence during descent, effectively reducing the module's velocity to ensure a safe touchdown. The module was successfully recovered by the Indian Navy, confirming the system's reliability. ( aimed at qualifying the parachute system for the Gaganyaan mission.

**Future Preparations:**

With the successful validation of the parachute system, ISRO is now focusing on other critical aspects of the Gaganyaan mission, including the crew escape system, life support systems, and the overall mission architecture. The first uncrewed mission is scheduled for later this year, followed by the crewed mission in 2027. These preparatory tests and validations are essential to ensure the safety and success of India's ambitious human spaceflight program.

In conclusion, the rigorous testing and validation of the Gaganyaan mission's descent and landing systems underscore ISRO's commitment to ensuring the safety of its astronauts and the success of the mission. The successful execution of IADT-02 is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution of ISRO's human spaceflight program.