• These tests were conducted from December 18-19, 2025, at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), a Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) laboratory in Union Territory (UT) Chandigarh.

• What? Conducted Drogue Parachute Qualification Tests
• Who? ISRO
• Where? Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility, TBRL (DRDO), Chandigarh
• Purpose: Validation of the deceleration system of the Gaganyaan Crew Module for human spaceflight.

Key Details of Tests:
Deceleration System: It consists of a total of 10 parachutes of 4 different types. The descent sequence starts with the deployment of two apex cover separation parachutes, removing the protective cover of the parachute compartment.

• This step is followed by two drogue parachutes that help in stabilizing and decelerating the module.
• Upon the release of the drogues, 3 pilot parachutes are deployed to extract 3 main parachutes, which further decelerate the crew module to ensure a safe touchdown.

Key Supporters: The tests were conducted with the support and participation from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC); DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) and TBRL.
Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO is expected to send 3-member Indian crew into Lower Earth Orbit (LEO) under the Gaganyaan Mission in 2027.

• The crew will travel at an altitude of 400 kilometers (kms) for a 3-day expedition and ensure safe re-entry and recovery in the Indian Ocean.