India Tests High-Strength Drogue Parachute for Gaganyaan Crew Module

India's ambitious human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, has reportedly crossed a critical milestone with the successful testing of its drogue parachute system, a vital component for astronaut safety. The test was conducted on 18 February 2026 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), in collaboration with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, and dedicated TBRL teams.

Drogue Parachute: A Crucial Safety System

The drogue parachute stabilises and decelerates the Gaganyaan crew module at high altitudes before the main parachutes are deployed, ensuring a safe descent and recovery. The recent qualification-level load test simulated forces beyond the maximum expected in actual flight, confirming the parachute's robustness and additional safety margin.

"This successful dynamic test demonstrates India's growing expertise in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes capable of withstanding extreme aerodynamic forces during re-entry," officials said.

DRDO-ISRO Collaboration

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has played a pivotal role in testing critical safety systems for Gaganyaan. The RTRS facility at TBRL enables controlled simulation of high-speed conditions, helping validate aerospace systems under extreme environments.

A Step Closer to Crewed Spaceflight

With each successful qualification test, India moves closer to its goal of sending astronauts safely into space. The drogue parachute milestone strengthens confidence in mission-critical systems and highlights the nation's growing capabilities in advanced space technologies.

"This achievement is a testament to India's technological progress and our commitment to astronaut safety as we prepare for Gaganyaan's crewed mission phase," DRDO officials noted.