ISRO’s Gaganyaan Program Nears Launch with Successful Air Drop Test

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully executed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) as part of the Gaganyaan mission, focusing on the parachute-based deceleration system. This test is vital for validating safety measures for the safe return of astronauts and involved collaboration with the Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard. The test’s success was highlighted by ISRO on ‘X’. The uncrewed mission G1, which will incorporate the Vyommitra robot, is expected to launch in December. ISRO is on schedule, with the majority of tests completed, and the remainder set to conclude by March of the coming year. The Human Rated Launch Vehicle (HLVM3) is fully developed and tested. The Orbital Module’s propulsion systems, the Crew Module, and the Service Module have been realized and tested. The Crew Escape System (CES) has undergone motor development and static testing. The necessary infrastructure, including the Orbital Module Preparation Facility and a crew training facility, has been established. Precursor missions, like the TV-D1, are in progress to validate the Crew Escape System (CES). Furthermore, the ground network and communication systems are ready and crew recovery operations have been finalized. Key components of the first uncrewed mission (G1) have been realized.