ISRO Completes Second Integrated Air Drop Test for Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully completed its second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) as part of the Gaganyaan mission preparations. Conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, this test involved a mock crew module being dropped from a Chinook helicopter at an altitude of 3 kilometers. The successful deployment of the parachute system indicates ISRO's readiness for future crewed missions, with the first human flight expected in early 2027. This article delves into the details of the test and the ongoing preparations for India's ambitious space program.
| Apr 10, 2026, 17:07 IST
Successful Air Drop Test by ISRO
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted its second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) on April 10 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. During this test, a mock crew module, which is the capsule designed for astronauts to return to Earth during human flights, was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to an altitude of approximately 3 kilometers. The module was then released over a designated drop zone in the sea near Sriharikota. This mock crew module weighs around 5.7 tons, matching the weight of the crew module used in the previous uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1).
Details of the Air Drop Test
It is important to note that under the IADT, a dummy crew module is dropped from a significant height using heavy aircraft or helicopters of the Indian Air Force. This process tests whether the parachutes deploy correctly and in the right sequence without any technical issues. The recent success of the IADT-02 test demonstrates that ISRO's parachute and recovery system is entirely reliable, ensuring the safe return of astronauts in future missions. The government has allocated approximately ₹100 crores for the Gaganyaan program, which is now in its final phase, with the first crewed flight expected in the first quarter of 2027.
Preparations for the Gaganyaan Mission
On April 8, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan stated that preparations for the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission are progressing smoothly. Speaking at the inaugural session of the second international conference on smart spacecraft mission operations, he emphasized the significance of this mission for India. Before the final crewed launch, three uncrewed missions are planned, and all activities for the first mission are advancing well, although challenges remain.