The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully completed the qualification dynamic load test for the drogue parachute of India's Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on February 18, 2026.
The drogue parachute plays a critical role during re-entry of the crew module into the Earth's atmosphere. It acts as the first decelerating parachute that deploys at high altitude and high speed to slow down the crew capsule before the main parachutes open, ensuring the safe return of astronauts (vyomanauts).
The qualification dynamic load test simulates the extreme aerodynamic and mechanical stresses the parachute experiences during actual re-entry conditions. Passing this test certifies that the parachute meets all safety and performance requirements for crewed spaceflight.
TBRL, located in Chandigarh, is India's premier ballistics and explosives research laboratory under DRDO. It has been instrumental in developing and testing recovery systems for the Gaganyaan mission.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, ISRO, and all teams involved for this milestone achievement. The successful qualification brings India closer to its first crewed orbital mission, which aims to carry Indian astronauts to space and safely return them to Earth.
Gaganyaan is India's first indigenous human spaceflight mission under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission uses the LVM3 (Launch Vehicle Mark 3) rocket and a crew module designed to support three astronauts in low Earth orbit for up to three days.